[Senate Document 105-31]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



105th Congress, 2d Session  - - - - - - - - - - Senate Document 105-031


 
                            Wendell H. Ford

                       U.S. SENATOR FROM KENTUCKY

                                TRIBUTES

                                     

                           IN THE CONGRESS OF
                           THE UNITED STATES





                                                         S. Doc. 105-31
                                           
                                      Tributes

                                Delivered in Congress


                                   Wendell H. Ford

                                United States Senator

                                      1974-1998

                                         ---



                           Compiled  under the  direction

                                       of the

                              Secretary of  the  Senate

                                       by the

                      Office of Printing  and Document Services



                                      CONTENTS

             Biography............................................. vii
             Proceedings in the Senate:
                Tributes by Senators:
                    Boxer, Barbara, of California..................  40
                    Burns, Conrad, of Montana......................  19
                    Byrd, Robert C., of West Virginia............ 6, 21
                    Daschle, Tom, of South Dakota............ 4, 14, 26
                       Staff letter................................  15
                    Domenici, Pete V., of New Mexico...............  25
                    Dorgan, Byron L., of North Dakota........... 13, 24
                    Glenn, John, of Ohio...........................   1
                    Gramm, Rod, of Minnesota.......................  25
                    Inouye, Daniel K., of Hawaii...................  31
                    Kempthorne, Dirk, of Idaho.....................  23
                    Lautenberg, Frank R., of New Jersey............  18
                    Leahy, Patrick J., of Vermont..................  39
                    Levin, Carl, of Maine..........................  16
                    Lott, Trent, of Mississippi................. 14, 34
                    McCain, John, of Arizona.......................  12
                    McConnell, Mitch, of Kentucky..................  10
                    Nickles, Don, of Oklahoma......................  17
                    Sessions, Jeff, of Alabama.....................  33
                    Stevens, Ted, of Alaska........................  11
                    Thurmond, Strom, of South Carolina.............  15
                Farewell address of Senator Wendell H. Ford........  41
                Order for printing of individual Senate documents..  44
             Newspaper Articles and Editorials:
                Seniority Bites, Roll Call.........................  47
                Ford Helped Shape N. Ky., Cincinnati Enquirer......  48
                Senator Ford Announces He Will Retire; Fourth-Term 
                  Kentucky Democrat Voices Distaste for Fund-
                  Raising Process, Washington Post.................  50
                Pragmatism, Personal Skills Boosted Ford, Courier-
                  Journal..........................................  51
                Democrats Pay Tribute to Senator Ford; Vice 
                  President Joins Thousands To Offer Praise, 
                  Courier-Journal..................................  53


                                      BIOGRAPHY

               Wendell H. Ford, Kentucky's senior U.S. Senator has 
             served in the Senate since December 28, 1974. Now in his 
             fourth Senate term, Ford holds the position of assistant 
             Democratic leader. First elected to the post in 1990, he 
             was reelected without opposition to serve in that capacity 
             for the 105th Congress.
               Ford's career spans over a quarter of a century in 
             elective office. He began as a Kentucky State senator in 
             1965 and was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1967. Four 
             years later, he became the Commonwealth's 49th Governor.
               Currently in his 24th year in the Senate, Ford has risen 
             to 12th out of 100 members in overall seniority and ranks 
             7th among Democrats in the 105th Congress. In 1992, he 
             made Kentucky history when he received the largest number 
             of votes ever recorded by a candidate for elected office 
             in the Commonwealth. Prior to his last election, he was 
             reelected by overwhelming margins in 1980 and 1986. On 
             March 14, 1998, Ford became Kentucky's longest serving 
             U.S. Senator, breaking the mark held by Alben W. Barkley.
               Over the years, Ford has become known as a staunch 
             supporter of the economic interests of Kentucky and as a 
             national leader on energy, aviation, Federal-election 
             reform and other issues. He has shaped such legislation as 
             the National Voter Registration Act, the Federal Aviation 
             Administration Authorization Act of 1994, the Family and 
             Medical Leave Act, the National Energy Security Act of 
             1992, the Aviation Safety and Capacity Act of 1990, the 
             Airport and Airways Capacity Expansion Act of 1987, the 
             Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1986, 
             the Tobacco Reform Act of 1985, the Energy Security Act of 
             1977 and the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of the 
             same year.
               He has taken the lead in many other legislative 
             initiatives, including a long and persistent drive to 
             adopt a 2-year budget as a tool to improve the Federal 
             Government's trouble-plagued budget-making process.
               Ford is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on 
             Rules and Administration, where he has pressed for 
             campaign-finance reform, improved voter registration 
             procedures 
             and other measures to increase voter participation in 
             Federal elections. He has also worked for a number of 
             procedural changes to make the Senate a more efficient 
             body.
               As past chairman of the Joint Committee on Printing, 
             Ford was successful in cutting millions of dollars from 
             the cost of government printing operations overseen by the 
             Committee. He also introduced the first-ever program for 
             the use of recycled printing paper by the Federal 
             Government, which purchases over 486,000 tons of paper 
             annually.
               As a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science 
             and Transportation, Ford is the ranking member of its 
             Aviation Subcommittee and serves on the subcommittees 
             dealing with consumer and communication issues. He has 
             also been instrumental in expanding airport-improvement 
             programs and has taken a leading role in addressing 
             airport noise policy, aging aircraft, pilot education and 
             other critical aviation issues.
               Ford also serves on the Committee on Energy and Natural 
             Resources which deals with complex issues touching on all 
             aspects of energy policy. He is ranking member of the 
             Energy Research and Development subcommittee, and serves 
             on the Water and Power and Mineral Resources Development 
             and Production subcommittees. He has worked successfully 
             to increase Federal support for clean-coal technologies to 
             strengthen the coal industry, lessen the Nation's 
             dangerous dependence on foreign oil and protect the 
             environment. He spearheaded legislation to create a 
             government owned corporation for our Federal uranium-
             enrichment enterprise which holds many important economic 
             and national-security implications for Kentucky and the 
             Nation.
               Ford's recent accomplishments on behalf of Kentucky 
             include helping negotiate a buyout of tobacco surpluses 
             and putting in place a mechanism to decrease imported 
             tobacco. He gained Federal support for the Advanced 
             Science and Technology Commercialization Center and also 
             the International Trade Development Center at the 
             University of Kentucky. He also was successful in securing 
             authorization for Kentucky communities to band together to 
             float $370 million in community-improvement bond issues. 
             As a believer in strong defense, he has played a leading 
             role in protecting the National Guard and military 
             installations in the Commonwealth. He has also worked to 
             improve the transportation infrastructure in the 
             Commonwealth and open new export markets for Kentucky 
             products.
               Long active in Democratic politics, Ford served as 
             chairman of the National Democratic Governors Caucus in 
             1973-74 and chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign 
             Committee from 1976 to 1982.
               Ford is a believer in community service and was named 
             one of the three Outstanding Young Men in Kentucky. He 
             served as State president of the Kentucky Jaycees and 
             later as national Jaycees president and international vice 
             president. He has received the highest service awards from 
             both the March of Dimes and the Boy Scouts. He has been 
             honored by the U.S. National Guard Association, and has 
             also received special commendations from the Veterans of 
             Foreign Wars and the American Legion for his continuing 
             service to veterans and their dependents. In addition, he 
             has received special recognition for his continuing 
             support of Kentucky Educational Television, the Kentucky 
             Housing Corporation, the Kentucky Council of Area 
             Development Districts, the National Association of 
             Regional Councils and numerous other awards.
               Ford was born in Thruston, KY, on September 8, 1924. He 
             graduated from Daviess County High School in Owensboro and 
             later attended the University of Kentucky. He served in 
             the U.S. Army in 1945-46 and in the Kentucky Army National 
             Guard for 13 years.
               He is married to the former Jean Neel of Owensboro, and 
             they have two children and five grandchildren.


                                      TRIBUTES

                                         to

                                   WENDELL H. FORD


                              Proceedings in the Senate
                                                Friday, March 13, 1998.
               Mr. GLENN. Mr. President, earlier today Senator Daschle, 
             our minority leader, made some remarks in tribute to the 
             longest-serving Senator from Kentucky to serve in the U.S. 
             Senate, and that is Wendell Ford, our minority whip.
               I wanted to add my words of congratulations, in 
             recognition of this person that I believe to be one of our 
             most outstanding U.S. Senators. He is a very dedicated 
             public servant. He is also a good personal friend. He is 
             the senior Senator from Kentucky, Wendell Ford. I don't 
             think it is any accident that the people of Kentucky have 
             returned Wendell time after time, one election after 
             another, to where he now has served here almost a quarter 
             of a century.
               Wendell, of course, is a very personable person. He 
             likes people. I think that was evidenced early in his 
             career when I believe he was national president of the 
             Jaycees. Later on, the people of Kentucky, after having 
             elected him Governor for a term, then elected him to the 
             U.S. Senate. He has served them well here over the last 
             nearly quarter of a century. I had the honor and privilege 
             to serve alongside him for all that time since he came to 
             the Senate. He and I were sworn in at about the same time, 
             and for the first few years we were here, by the luck of 
             the draw, we sat side by side in the Senate Chamber. That 
             was back in the time period when we had many all-night 
             sessions, and you got to know a person pretty well when 
             you sat and shared views with them during some of those 
             extended debates and lengthy all-night sessions.
               Wendell is certainly known for his wit and humor. I 
             remember once we were sitting here about 3:30 or 4 o'clock 
             in the morning and a debate was going on. Wendell nudged 
             me and said, ``You know, John, the people back home think 
             we are the ones that won.'' I got a kick out of that. We 
             were going through some very troubled times in the U.S. 
             Senate at that time.
               The Senate class of 1974 was one that I think was 
             remarkable not only because I happened to be one of those 
             people but because it came in on the tail-end of 
             Watergate. Watergate played an issue in that year's 
             election. But the people we elected that year included a 
             number of outstanding public officials who would continue 
             illustrious public careers, including John Culver, Robert 
             Morgan, Paul Laxalt, James Jake Garn, Gary Hart, and four 
             Senators still serving--myself and Senators Ford, Bumpers, 
             and Leahy. With the announced retirements that we have 
             already, Senator Leahy will be the only representative out 
             of that class of 1974 still remaining at the end of this 
             year.
               The distinguished Senator from Kentucky, Senator Ford, 
             has served on the Senate Rules Committee for many years, 
             been chairman and ranking member. He became an expert on 
             disputed elections quite early on in his service, because 
             one of the first issues that that class of 1974 faced in 
             the Senate was the disputed election in New Hampshire 
             between John Durkin and Louis Wyman. In that case, the 
             Senate determined that a new election was necessary. So 
             Wendell got tossed into that maelstrom of disputed 
             elections very early on. I say that hasn't ended through 
             all these years either, because even during this last year 
             he worked toward a successful solution in the Louisiana 
             election dispute.
               I can say without any contradiction that Senator Ford is 
             truly a Senator's Senator. He is rarely on the floor 
             making long speeches and posturing before the camera. That 
             is rare. In fact, he never does that. But his voice is 
             heard. His influence is heard on almost all issues, 
             because the Senate, his fellow Senators on the Democratic 
             side, sought at this time to elect him as our whip, our 
             No. 2 person in the hierarchy of leadership in the Senate.
               I think Senator Ford would appreciate the fact, coming 
             from Kentucky--and I have heard him make comments about 
             the horses, and all of his attention to the horses in 
             Kentucky, and the big business that is in Kentucky, and 
             his attention to things like the Kentucky Derby and so on. 
             But he would appreciate it that we know him as a 
             ``workhorse,'' not just as a show horse, here in the U.S. 
             Senate. He is always working behind the scenes for 
             whatever the interests are of the party or his interests 
             for Kentucky. And he has provided strong leadership in his 
             ability as a negotiator and his talents for finding 
             compromise that have served both parties and the Nation 
             extraordinarily well.
               He has been in the forefront of many issues during his 
             career in the Senate, including such more recent things in 
             just the last few years as motor-voter legislation, trying 
             to make sure that every person in this country has a 
             maximum opportunity to exercise the right to vote. 
             Lobbying reform and campaign finance reform have been of 
             particular interest in recent years.
               Of course, Kentucky is first. I just wish I could say 
             that I have been as tireless an advocate for Ohio as he 
             has been for Kentucky, because even when we have disagreed 
             on things, we find a way to work them out. Wendell 
             represents Kentucky and the interests of the people of 
             Kentucky first. That comes out all the time. He and I have 
             worked together on matters of mutual interest, including 
             the regional airport in Cincinnati and Department of 
             Energy facilities that are both in Kentucky and in Ohio.
               As I mentioned earlier today, Senator Ford's service in 
             the Senate will surpass the length of surface of Alben 
             Barkley, who had previously been the longest-serving 
             Senator from Kentucky. Senator Ford will have served 
             longer than any other Kentuckian in the Senate, including 
             such statesmen as Henry Clay, John Breckenridge, Happy 
             Chandler, and John Sherman Cooper.
               I think Wendell Ford adds an illustrious career that 
             matches any of those other people the great State of 
             Kentucky has sent to the Senate through the years. With 
             Wendell, you always know where you stand, but he also 
             knows how to disagree without being disagreeable at the 
             same time.
               He is known for his wit, humor, and intense discussions. 
             He knows how to break the tension with a little humor, a 
             joke, or something that applies.
               I would be remiss if I didn't mention one other thing, 
             and that is his dedication to his family--Jean, his wife, 
             and his children and grandchildren. I remember last 
             August, when other Senators were talking about what trips 
             they were planning, and I asked Wendell if he was planning 
             to travel, he said, ``Yep; I'm going to travel to Kentucky 
             to go fishing with the grandchildren.'' That is exactly 
             what he did, and I'm sure the grandchildren were the 
             better off for it.
               So I'm pleased to join my colleagues in recognition of 
             the long service of Senator Wendell Ford. He has been a 
             very valued colleague and a personal friend to me in the 
             Senate. His company will truly be one of the things I will 
             miss next year, and I think, most of all, the people of 
             Kentucky are going to miss the kind of leadership he has 
             provided. We are here today not to talk about that, but to 
             recognize that today marks the day when he becomes the 
             longest-serving Senator to ever serve from the State of 
             Kentucky. I want to recognize him for that.

               Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I would like to call to the 
             Senate's attention an impressive milestone that a Member 
             of this body will reach this weekend. On Saturday the 
             senior Senator from Kentucky, my friend and Democratic 
             whip, Wendell Ford, will have served the State of Kentucky 
             in the Senate for the 8,478th day. He will become the 
             longest-serving Senator in Kentucky history.
               While I suspect that Senator Ford might be more 
             concerned this weekend about how his beloved Kentucky 
             Wildcats will fare in the NCAA basketball tournament than 
             about achieving any personal record, I hope he will allow 
             me a few minutes to recognize this tremendous achievement.
               It gives me great personal satisfaction to see Senator 
             Ford cap his distinguished Senate career by reaching this 
             milestone. It is also appropriate that Senator Ford does 
             so by surpassing the length of service of another great 
             Senator from Kentucky, the former Democratic leader and 
             then Vice President of the United States, Alben Barkley.
               Wendell Ford began his Senate service back in December 
             1974. In 23-plus years, he has made his mark in the Senate 
             in an extraordinary number of ways: as a tenacious fighter 
             for the people of Kentucky, as a skilled parliamentarian 
             and orator, as a leader and faithful soldier of his party, 
             and as a genuinely warm, funny, and down-to-earth human 
             being.
               Perhaps the Almanac of American Politics best described 
             his political tenacity when it said that Senator Ford's 
             ``fierce determination to champion Kentuckians' interests 
             seems rooted in a sense that they are little guys who are 
             victims or targets of big selfish guys elsewhere--that 
             they are as humble as Ford's own economic background.'' 
             Indeed, anyone who has engaged Senator Ford in the 
             legislative arena knows that he is deeply rooted in the 
             Kentucky soil from which he sprang.
               He has been a thoroughly tireless defender of Kentucky's 
             working families, from 60,000 tobacco growers on small 
             farms across the State to the coal miners in Appalachia's 
             hills and hollows. Wendell Ford surely deserves one of the 
             highest compliments one can give a Senator: that he has 
             never forgotten where he came from.
               Though I can think of no one more tenacious in defense 
             of his constituents, I can also think of no Senator more 
             loyal to his party, two traits that are sometimes 
             difficult to reconcile.
               Wendell Ford has served his party in a variety of ways: 
             as chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign 
             Committee; as chairman and ranking member of the Senate 
             Rules Committee; as chairman and ranking member of the 
             Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation; and, since 1991, 
             assistant Senate Democratic leader and whip.
               His friendship and counsel to me during my tenure as 
             Senate Democratic leader have been invaluable. I could not 
             imagine learning the many facets of this job without 
             Senator Ford at my side. Wendell Ford represents the best 
             of the Senate's old school. He is someone who reveres the 
             traditions and rules that are the foundation of the 
             Senate. He is also someone who values the courtesy, humor, 
             and personal bonds that give the Senate its life and its 
             sense of common purpose.
               Mr. President, the State of Kentucky has sent a number 
             of talented men to this Chamber. Men like Albert ``Happy'' 
             Chandler, Earle C. Clements, John Sherman Cooper, and 
             certainly the legendary Henry Clay come to mind. It is a 
             high honor that Wendell Ford stands next to these great 
             Kentuckians in service to their State. But it is perhaps 
             most appropriate that Senator Ford surpassed the tenure of 
             former Senator Alben Barkley. Like Senator Ford, Alben 
             Barkley had roots in the soil, born on a small tobacco 
             farm in Kentucky.
               Like Senator Ford, Alben Barkley served his State and 
             country in a range of positions, from county judge, to 
             Congressman, Senator, then Vice President of the United 
             States. And like Senator Ford, he was in the Senate 
             leadership in both the majority and minority, serving as 
             leader in both capacities.
               Tested by the loss of the Senate majority in the mid-
             1940's, Senator Barkley turned adversity to his advantage. 
             In 1948, a poll of journalists in Colliers magazine 
             recognized minority leader Barkley as the most effective 
             Member of the Senate. This was remarkable, since 10 years 
             earlier, a similar poll had left him completely off the 
             list of the 10 most effective Members even though he was 
             majority leader.
               In recognition of his effectiveness, one journalist 
             commented that ``under conditions that would have caused a 
             less determined man to walk out and rest, he continued to 
             work for his country through his party.'' Another said 
             that ``by his wisdom, humor, and moderation, plus his 
             devotion to the system, he has strengthened the concept of 
             party responsibility.'' More appropriate words could not 
             be spoken about Senator Ford, either.
               We can only hope that Senator Ford may also look to one 
             other example set by Alben Barkley. Senator Barkley became 
             Vice President Barkley in 1948. He served in that capacity 
             for one term. Not content to accept a permanent retirement 
             after leaving the Vice Presidency, however, Barkley ran 
             again for the Senate in 1954 and won, returning to his 
             beloved Senate. Maybe Senator Ford will keep that in the 
             back of his mind.
               But taking Senator Ford at his word--that he will be 
             leaving the Senate for good at the end of this year--his 
             staff and I have tried to settle on a fitting tribute to 
             the longest-serving Senator in Kentucky history. A tribute 
             that will symbolize for every Kentuckian the enduring 
             commitment to their well being that Wendell Ford has 
             shown.
               Today I am introducing a bill to name the school under 
             construction in Fort Campbell, KY, the ``Wendell H. Ford 
             Education Center.'' The Wendell H. Ford Education Center 
             will assume its name the day Senator Ford leaves the 
             Senate. I hope the students who enter its halls will fully 
             appreciate the contributions of Wendell H. Ford and the 
             remarkable way in which he has led his colleagues, his 
             State, and his country in the difficult challenges we have 
             faced in the past 25 years.
               Like many in Kentucky, many in this Chamber are familiar 
             with one of Senator Ford's trademark greetings, ``How are 
             all you lucky people doing?'' This is sometimes 
             abbreviated to simply, ``Hey, Lucky!'' Truly, all of us 
             who have served with Senator Ford have been extremely 
             lucky. He will be missed by a lot of people around here 
             when he retires at the end of this Congress.
               But today, we all should all take a moment to 
             congratulate and thank Senator Wendell Ford on his record-
             breaking service to the people of Kentucky, the U.S. 
             Senate, and the country.
                                                Monday, March 16, 1998.
               Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, the Commonwealth of Kentucky 
             has provided the U.S. Senate with some of its finer 
             Members. Take John Breckinridge, who in the early 1800's 
             became his party's most effective spokesman and 
             legislative leader during his first term in the Senate, 
             and who would doubtless have achieved further greatness 
             had he not succumbed to typhus fever at the age of 46. 
             Despite this early death, Breckinridge did achieve a form 
             of posthumous success when his son, John C. Breckinridge 
             was elected first Senator and then vice-President. (It 
             was, incidentally, the younger Breckinridge who, in 1859, 
             provided such a moving tribute to the ``consecrated 
             character'' of the old Senate Chamber, before leading the 
             Senators in procession to their new, and current home.)
               Or consider the great Henry Clay, who promoted the 
             American system, whose powerful oratory and forceful 
             personality made him one of the dominant figures during 
             the Senate's golden age of the 1830's, 1840's and 1850's. 
             And what of Alben Barkley, majority leader during the 
             1940's, whose booming baritone and vast repertoire of 
             humorous anecdotes made him one of the more popular 
             Senators of his time?
               Not to mention John Sherman Cooper, who sat right here 
             on the floor during the year that we served together. John 
             Sherman Cooper was a former Ambassador to India. I first 
             met him in 1955, at which time I was a Member of the House 
             of Representatives and was traveling with a subcommittee 
             of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to the Pacific and 
             the Far East. On that occasion we traveled 68 days. We 
             went around the world in an old constellation. That would 
             have been called a ``junket'' in these times. John Sherman 
             Cooper was Ambassador to India when I and my House 
             colleagues stopped there for a short time. John Sherman 
             Cooper also played an outspoken role in the debates on the 
             war in Vietnam. The list of outstanding Senators from 
             Kentucky is a long list indeed.
               Mr. President, today Kentucky has another native son of 
             whom it can be equally proud. That man is Wendell Ford, 
             who on Saturday last, March 14, became the longest serving 
             Kentuckian in the history of the State.
               It seems only fitting that Senator Ford should hold this 
             record, for few other politicians have served the great 
             Commonwealth of Kentucky as ably or as successfully as has 
             Wendell Ford. After service in World War II, Senator Ford 
             returned to his home State and in short order became a 
             State Senator, then a Lieutenant Governor, then Governor, 
             before his election to the Senate in 1974.
               When Wendell Ford came to the U.S. Senate, I was the 
             majority whip. Since that date in 1974, Senator Ford has 
             earned acclaim as a smart and savvy legislator, 
             particularly during his excellent chairmanship of the 
             Rules Committee from 1986 to 1994. I count it a great 
             privilege and honor and a pleasure to have served on the 
             Rules Committee during those years of Wendell Ford's 
             chairmanship. He did well. He was a mighty protector of 
             the rules of the Senate and is one of the best chairman of 
             any committee on which I have served. Senator Ford has 
             also been prominent in the party leadership. He chaired 
             the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee from 1976 to 
             1982 and he has served with distinction as party whip 
             since 1990.
               As a Senator, Wendell Ford has endeared himself to 
             colleagues and staffers alike with his warm personality 
             and his vibrant sense of humor. He has also distinguished 
             himself as a devoted and vigilant defender of the 
             interests of his native Kentuckians. I should say of all 
             Kentuckians, native or otherwise. I have always felt a 
             kinship with Kentucky, which borders my own mountain 
             State. I have felt a kinship with the people of eastern 
             Kentucky, whose rugged, mountainous terrain resembles that 
             of West Virginia. And, as a fellow U.S. Senator 
             representing another less well-off State whose needs have 
             often been overlooked for too long, I have the utmost 
             respect and admiration for Senator Wendell Ford's 
             courageous and tenacious efforts to serve the interests of 
             his State and its noble people. In this regard, Senator 
             Ford may be seen as an heir to the legacy of Henry Clay, 
             whose ``American system'' favored Federal spending on 
             communications, transportation and other internal 
             improvements. As a matter of fact, the Old Cumberland 
             Road, as it is sometimes referred to, the Old National 
             Road, began at Cumberland, MD, and went westward to 
             Wheeling, WV, and on to Vandalia, IL. The work on that 
             road began in 1811, and by the year 1838 the Federal 
             Government had invested the astounding sum of $3 million 
             in that highway.
               That was the highway which many settlers traveling from 
             the east and going to the west, took, as they made their 
             way to the Ohio River. I should say that Henry Clay was 
             one of the foremost supporters of appropriations for the 
             Old Cumberland Road, and we who live in the mountainous 
             terrain of West Virginia, and particularly in the northern 
             part of the State, have not forgotten that nor shall we 
             forget it. Few Senators have been as dedicated to serving 
             the needs of their constituents as the able senior Senator 
             from Kentucky, and I salute him for that.
               At the same time, Senator Ford has also done much good 
             work on a national level. As a member of the Commerce 
             Committee, Senator Ford has become a national leader on 
             aviation issues, a leader who played key roles in shaping 
             the 1994 Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act 
             and the 1987 Airport and Airways Capacity Expansion Act. 
             On the Energy Committee, Senator Wendell Ford has worked 
             tirelessly to lessen our country's dependence on foreign 
             oil and to support clean, environmentally friendly coal 
             technologies. And whether fighting for campaign finance 
             reform or sponsoring the motor voter bill, Senator Ford 
             has been a valiant soldier in the ongoing struggle to make 
             this country's political system as fair, as open, and as 
             representative as possible.
               Mr. President, the same words spoken by Senator Clay in 
             his farewell address to the Senate 156 years ago could 
             just as well be attributed to Senator Ford's career in the 
             Senate. Senator Henry Clay declared in part:

               * * * that I have been actuated by no personal motives--
             that I have sought no personal aggrandizement--no 
             promotion from the advocacy of those various measures on 
             which I have been called to act--that I have had an eye, a 
             single eye, a heart, a single heart, ever devoted to what 
             appeared to be the best interests of the country.

               Senator Ford's good work has not gone unappreciated by 
             his constituents. The host of State records that he holds 
             testifies to his popularity with Kentuckians. After all, 
             Senator Ford was the first candidate to carry all 120 
             countries against opposition and, he did this in 1980. In 
             1992, he won the highest number of votes cast for any 
             State candidate. And in 1996, he surpassed Alben Barkley's 
             record of having the longest consecutive service of any 
             Kentucky Senator. Now, with this latest accomplishment to 
             his name, there can be no doubting that Senator Ford's 
             position is as one of the most successful and popular 
             politicians in the State's history.
               Mr. President, although Senator Ford has announced that 
             he will not stand for reelection this fall, he may rest 
             assured as he prepares to leave this Chamber that his 
             contributions and accomplishments have earned him a place 
             in the Senate's and Kentucky's honor rolls. I am sure that 
             I can speak for all of my colleagues when I say that 
             Senator Ford will be sorely missed. His combination of 
             personal charm and legislative skill is a rare one, and 
             whoever fills his seat will have much to live up to.
               My wife, Erma, and I shall regret to see him and his 
             lovely wife go.
               Wendell Ford in his service here and in his service to 
             the people of Kentucky, reminds me of a bit of verse by 
             John G. Holland, entitled ``God Give Us Men'':

                God give us men!

                A time like this demands strong minds,
                great hearts, true faith, and ready hands.
                Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
                Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
                Men who possess opinions and a will;
                Men who have honor; men who will not lie.
                Men who can stand before a demagogue
                And brave his treacherous flatteries without winking.
                Tall men, sun-crowned;
                Who live above the fog,
                In public duty and in private thinking.
                For while the rabble with its thumbworn creeds,
                It's large professions and its little deeds,
                mingles in selfish strife,
                Lo! Freedom weeps!
                Wrong rules the land and waiting justice sleeps.
                God give us men!

                Men who serve not for selfish booty;
                But real men, courageous, who flinch not at duty.
                Men of dependable character;
                Men of sterling worth;
                Then wrongs will be redressed, and right will
                rule the earth.
                God Give us Men!

               Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today marks another 
             milestone in the extraordinarily successful tenure of my 
             friend and colleague from Kentucky, Wendell Ford. He 
             becomes the longest serving Senator in Kentucky history. I 
             remember well when Senator Ford got his start; I was in 
             law school at the University of Kentucky. I remember 
             reading a story about a State senate primary in Owensboro, 
             KY, in which the Senate majority leader of the Kentucky 
             State senate was upset in the primary by an impressive 
             young man named Wendell Ford, who had been involved in 
             politics some time and had been in fact national president 
             of the Jaycees.
               Then in my senior year in law school, I remember this 
             young State senator, who obviously didn't want to stay in 
             the State senate too long, running for Lieutenant Governor 
             and defeating the attorney general of Kentucky in that 
             primary.
               Then that November, an unusual thing happened in 
             Kentucky--they elected a Republican Governor. It has not 
             happened since. It is a fairly rare occurrence in our 
             State. But State Senator Wendell Ford was elected 
             Lieutenant Governor, so he beat one of those rare 
             Republican tides in our State.
               Then, as if that were not enough, 4 years later 
             everybody in Kentucky thought that former Governor Bert 
             Combs, who subsequently had a distinguished career as a 
             U.S. court of appeals judge, was a lead pipe cinch to be 
             the next Governor of Kentucky and at the very least to win 
             the Democratic primary. But Lieutenant Governor Wendell 
             Ford defeated, against everybody's expectations, former 
             Governor Combs in the primary, and the rest is, as they 
             say, history.
               He came to the Senate, beating a Republican incumbent in 
             1974, and is into the final days of his fourth term. He 
             has served Kentucky long and well, having had an 
             extraordinarily successful public career. I join with all 
             of my colleagues in congratulating him for his not only 
             lengthy service but his excellent service on behalf of the 
             Commonwealth of Kentucky and the people of the United 
             States.
                                            Friday, September 25, 1998.
               Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, this is the Wendell Ford 
             National Air Transportation System Improvement Act, as 
             Chairman McCain just pointed out.
               I see my good friend from Kentucky is here. I think that 
             this is an act that should be named after the Senator from 
             Kentucky because of his long service on the Commerce 
             Committee and particularly on the Aviation Subcommittee.
               Our Nation has come through a very interesting period 
             during the time that Wendell Ford has been Senator from 
             Kentucky--a total revolution in aviation and a 
             concentration on safety and improvement of our airway 
             system.
               Wendell Ford has been a leader in that effort. This bill 
             signifies the totality of what he has done for the 
             aviation community.
               I come to the floor today, because, as I believe most 
             Members of the Senate know, Alaska is completely dependent 
             upon air transportation.
               Over 70 percent of our communities can only be reached 
             by air year-round. We believe in the safety of that 
             system.
               I have been pleased to have the honor to be able to work 
             with the Senator from Kentucky on a whole series of 
             matters dealing with operations, with safety, and with the 
             maintenance of the airways system, and in particularly 
             with the development of air transportation facilities on 
             the ground.
               As you go throughout this country and go to these major 
             new terminals, you should think of Wendell Ford, because 
             he has led us, through the period when he was chairman of 
             the Aviation Subcommittee, and during the period when he 
             has been ranking member of that subcommittee, to an 
             understanding of what is necessary to keep the lead that 
             we have as a Nation in aviation.
               I come to the floor to thank my good friend for all he 
             as done for us and for the Nation, but particularly to 
             thank him on behalf of all of us in Alaska who rely so 
             much on this system that he has improved and made more 
             safe.
               Thank you, Mr. President.

               Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I join Senator Ford in 
             thanking the staff for their contributions: John Raidt, 
             Ann Choiniere, Michael Reynolds, Lloyd Ator, Scott 
             Verstandig, Brad Sabala, and Bill Winter on the Commerce 
             Committee staff; Ivan Schlager, Sam Whitehorn, Jim Drewry, 
             and Becky Kojm with Senator Hollings' staff; Brett Hale 
             and Jeanne Bumpus with Senator Gorton; and David Regan 
             with Senator Ford. Charles Chambers and Tom Zoeller, who 
             are no longer Senate staffers, made efforts in making this 
             legislation happen. Also, Mr. President, because of the 
             scope associated with this bill, we have negotiated with 
             literally every Senator and their staff members on various 
             provisions of this bill, and I thank all of them, also.
               But obviously, Mr. President, I wish to express again my 
             deep and profound appreciation to the Senator from 
             Kentucky for his efforts on this legislation and many, 
             many other aviation bills that have moved through the 
             Senate during my time here. I think it is a very small 
             token that the bill before us is named for him. He 
             deserves that recognition and much, much more.
               Mr. President, Senator Ford has been a Member of the 
             U.S. Senate for 24 years. That is a long time, even in the 
             history of the U.S. Senate. I have had the privilege of 
             working with him for 12. When I first came to the Commerce 
             Committee 12 years ago, I spent a lot of time with Senator 
             Ford then and in the intervening years, especially on 
             aviation issues, because he is regarded, perhaps, as the 
             most knowledgeable Member of the U.S. Senate on those 
             issues.
               Senator Ford is also known--as I think, perhaps, I may 
             be to some extent--as a person who fights fiercely for the 
             principles that he believes in, for what he believes is 
             right as God gave him the right to see it. And he also is 
             a strong advocate for his party. I noted, while looking at 
             his biography this morning--I was scanning it--not only is 
             he a former Governor, but for 6 years he was the chairman 
             of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. I know 
             that there are many times when he and his colleagues yearn 
             for those golden days of yesteryear.
               Mr. FORD. No, we lost then.
               Mr. McCAIN. Did you? But Senator Ford has obviously 
             served his party with distinction as well. Around this 
             place you have the opportunity of working with your 
             colleagues on a variety of issues, but I do not believe 
             that I have observed anyone as effective, as single-
             minded, and as dedicated as the Senator from Kentucky. 
             Yes, we have had fierce differences of opinion which have 
             always been resolved at the end of the day with a smile 
             and a handshake. I have learned from those encounters. I 
             believe one of the great learning experiences of my life 
             was in 1990 when Senator Ford was responsible for a 
             massive restructuring of the aviation system in America. 
             The impact of that will be felt well into the next 
             century. I watched him guide that legislation through all 
             the rocks and shoals of the process around here, and it 
             emerged as a landmark piece of legislation.
               I am proud to have learned from him. I am proud to have 
             worked with him and to be associated with him on a broad 
             variety of various areas. Most of all, I will be pleased 
             many years from now to be able to call him my friend. So I 
             thank him. I look forward to observing that same fierce 
             determination as we do battle with the folks on the other 
             side, to try to maintain this legislation intact as it has 
             been reported out through the Senate.
               As has often been observed, the Senator from Kentucky is 
             not dying, he is just leaving the Senate.
               Mr. FORD. Thanks.
               Mr. McCAIN. We will, for many, many years in the future, 
             work with the Senator from Kentucky and maintain our close 
             relationships with him. I know I speak for every Member on 
             my side of the aisle when I say that.

               Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, let me add my words of 
             admiration for the work done by Senator Ford. He has been 
             an important part of the Senate for many years and has 
             done some very important things for his country and the 
             Senate will miss very much the service that he has 
             offered. He is in the leadership, has been for many years 
             on the Democratic side of the aisle. But he is fiercely 
             independent. He is smart. He is tough, and he has all the 
             qualities that you look for in a good legislator. He will, 
             in my judgment, for many, many years be remembered as one 
             of the really outstanding legislators in this body, and I 
             feel very fortunate to have been able to serve with him. I 
             just wanted to add those words to the words offered by the 
             Senator from Arizona.

               Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the 
             importance of today's passage of the Federal Aviation 
             Administration Reauthorization bill. Today is a great day 
             for rural America's air passengers. This legislation, now 
             known as the Wendell H. Ford National Air Transportation 
             System Improvement Act of 1998, will bring much needed air 
             service to underserved communities throughout the Nation. 
             It will grant billions of dollars in Federal funds to our 
             Nation's small airports for upgrades, through the Airport 
             Improvements Program (AIP).
               Additionally, Senator McCain, chairman of the Committee 
             on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, is to be 
             commended for his superb leadership on this complex and 
             contentious measure. Together with Senator Ford, their 
             joint efforts moved this bill through the committee and to 
             the Senate floor in such a manner that the amendment 
             process went smoothly.
               It is only fitting that this must-pass legislation be 
             named after such a worthy Senator. Wendell Ford has spent 
             nearly 24 years as a Member of this body. For the last 10 
             years, I have enjoyed working with Senator Ford on a 
             variety of issues within the jurisdiction of the Senate 
             Commerce Committee. Through his leadership on this 
             legislation, Senator Ford has proven himself as a champion 
             of rural aviation issues. The Senate will certainly miss 
             his guidance and insight. Likewise, the Senate will miss 
             his wry, biting humor.
                                               Friday, October 9, 1998.
               Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, as the majority leader 
             noted, this is a bittersweet time for many of us. We bid 
             colleagues farewell and we recall the times we have had 
             together. In some cases, we have worked together and 
             shared friendships for many years.
               I have been asked to do something somewhat unusual 
             tonight. I have been asked by the staff of our 
             distinguished Senator from Kentucky, my dear friend, 
             Senator Ford, to read a letter they have composed to him 
             for the congressional Record.
               I am delighted that Senator Ford is on the floor to hear 
             this personally.
               So, as requested, I will read the letter, which was 
             written by his staff. I know my own staff shares these 
             feelings for Senator Ford. The letter is dated October 9, 
             1998.

                                                     October 9, 1998.
               Dear Senator Ford: After several weeks of tributes, 
             receptions, dinners and other special events in your 
             honor, we're sure that a man of your humble nature is 
             probably ready to have people quit making a fuss and let 
             you leave town as unnoticed and as low-key as possible.
               However, these weeks have given us the opportunity to 
             hear others tell you what we've also known all along: your 
             legacy of serving our State, your labor of love on behalf 
             of all Americans, and the unfailing kindness you've shown 
             during your time in the U.S. Senate will never be 
             forgotten.
               On top of just being a plain `ole good boss, you've also 
             been a mentor, a teacher, and someone we could always look 
             up to for guidance and support, no matter the situation. 
             But most importantly, you've been a friend to all of us.
               You've given us the opportunity on a daily basis to 
             personally witness the countless hours of hard work you 
             put in on behalf of Kentuckians. We've seen you stay into 
             the early morning hours here in the Senate during an all-
             night session, and then rush to catch an early morning 
             plane for a commitment back home. We've seen you toil late 
             into the night working on a conference committee, only to 
             have you beat us into work the next morning with a smile 
             and joke for everyone.
               These are some of the things your Kentucky constituents 
             may never have known. But at the same time, we know 
             they've benefited greatly from your accomplishments on 
             their behalf and your never-ending desire to see that all 
             Kentuckians, no matter their station, have the tools and 
             opportunities to lead successful and productive lives.
               As we've heard you say many times, it's been a good run. 
             And we could not let today pass without letting you know 
             how much it's meant for us to have had the opportunity to 
             work with you, to learn from you, and have you as our 
             favorite Senator.
                  Sincerely,
                                                          Your Staff.

               Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, Kentucky is famous for many 
             things, including its bourbon and the Derby, but what I 
             have come to associate most with the ``Bluegrass State'' 
             over the past 24 years is Senator Wendell Ford, who I 
             regret to note is leaving the Senate at the end of the 
             105th Congress.
               Senator Ford is a man with a deep and unwavering 
             commitment to public service. He served in the U.S. Army 
             during World War II and continued his military service as 
             a member of the Kentucky National Guard. He has held 
             elected office at both the State and Federal levels, 
             holding the titles of State senator and Governor before 
             being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974.
               Each of us understands that our primary job as Senators 
             is to make the law, but many of us also believe that we 
             should use our offices to help the people of our States. 
             This is a sentiment that Senator Ford and I share, and 
             over the years, my friend from Kentucky has worked 
             tirelessly to help his State develop and prosper. While 
             Kentucky, like South Carolina, is still a largely rural 
             State, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Wendell 
             Ford, the people of Kentucky are enjoying opportunities 
             and economic growth that has been substantial.
               During his time in Washington, Senator Ford has held a 
             number of key positions, both in the Senate and in 
             political organizations. His leadership roles as an 
             assistant leader and a former committee chairman stand as 
             testament to both his abilities and the regard in which he 
             is held by his peers.
               I am certain that Senator Ford did not easily come to 
             the decision to retire, but I am certain that he and his 
             lovely wife Jean are looking forward to their new life. I 
             wish both of them health, happiness and success in 
             whatever endeavor they undertake.

               Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, when this Congress adjourns 
             the Senate will lose its distinguished minority whip, the 
             senior Senator from Kentucky, Wendell H. Ford. Wendell 
             Ford has earned a reputation as the Senate's leader on 
             aviation matters, and has long been one of the most 
             influential Members of the Senate on energy and election 
             reform issues. He has battled for campaign finance reform 
             legislation and led the fight for the ``motor voter'' bill 
             which has expanded voter registration across the country.
               There is no Member of the Senate more well-liked by his 
             colleagues than Wendell Ford. However, I have often 
             thought that one of the true measures of a Senator is how 
             she or he relates to staff members, workers and other 
             visitors to our Nation's capital. Wendell Ford is among 
             the most beloved.
               I think back to one particular incident. A member of my 
             staff had brought his 5-year old son to work for the day. 
             The staff member, needing to attend an important meeting, 
             left his son to play with paper, crayons and stapler, 
             under the supervision of several co-workers. He returned 
             to find his son no longer at the desk where he had been 
             left. A quick search followed. The young boy was found 
             just outside the office in the Senate hallway where he had 
             stopped Senator Wendell Ford and attempted to sell him a 
             book (artful pages of crayon scribbles, stapled together) 
             for a nickel. Senator Ford was in the act of earnestly 
             requesting two and trying to convince the young man to 
             accept a dime as superior to the requested nickel.
               Last March, Wendell Ford became the longest serving 
             Senator from Kentucky in the history of the U.S. Senate 
             when he surpassed another beloved Kentuckian, Alben 
             Barkley.
               Wendell Ford is unsurpassed in many things: He is 
             unsurpassed in his love of family, love of country and 
             love of the U.S. Senate. He is unsurpassed in his efforts 
             to be helpful to new Members. How many times he has set 
             aside personal needs or took the time to help newcomers to 
             this body to weather the self doubts or maneuver through 
             the complex procedures.
               Wendell Ford is unsurpassed in his commitment to the 
             hard working families whom are the backbone of this Nation 
             and in his passion for the ``little guy''.
               Mr. President, to me, the story I told of the little boy 
             in the Senate hall characterizes Wendell Ford. Wendell is 
             a genuine, kind, straight-forward and thoughtful man as 
             well as an effective national leader. All of us in the 
             U.S. Senate and our families will miss the inimitable 
             Wendell Ford and his wife, Jean.
                                            Saturday, October 10, 1998.
               Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I have given accolades to a 
             couple of my colleagues for their service in the Senate, 
             including Senator Bumpers. I see Senator Ford is on the 
             floor. I have had the pleasure of serving with Senator 
             Ford for 18 years on the Energy Committee. We worked 
             together on a lot of things. And, in my opinion, some of 
             the most significant legislation that passed Congress, in 
             my tenure, we have worked together on.
               One was the Natural Gas Deregulation Act that President 
             Bush signed after about 6 years of negotiations and hard 
             work, but probably one of the most difficult pieces of 
             legislation that we have passed.
               And if you go back on the history of natural gas 
             regulation and deregulation, it was a very, very difficult 
             task. It was a pleasure for me to work with Senator Ford 
             in that respect. We worked together on other issues as 
             well.
               I compliment him for his 24 years of service in the 
             Senate. Anyone that spends almost a quarter of a century 
             of service in the Senate, I think, is to be complimented. 
             I compliment him for his leadership and for his 
             representation of the people of Kentucky. Again, it was a 
             pleasure and honor for me to serve with him. I compliment 
             him and wish him every best wish as he returns to his 
             State of Kentucky.

               Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President I rise today to pay 
             tribute to our esteemed colleague from Kentucky, the 
             minority whip, Senator Wendell H. Ford. I wish him well. 
             All of us know that we have not heard the last from this 
             dedicated and effective public servant.
               His retirement from the Senate will end a formal career 
             of public service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the 
             United States which has lasted over three decades. After 
             first serving in the Kentucky Senate, he was elected 
             Lieutenant Governor in 1967 and then Governor of Kentucky 
             in 1971. In 1974, he was elected to serve in the U.S. 
             Senate.
               Mr. President, in the history of this body, few Senators 
             have protected the interests of his or her State as 
             doggedly as Wendell Ford.
               Whether the issue was aviation, tobacco, 
             telecommunications or farm legislation, Senator Ford has 
             always put the people of Kentucky first. And even though 
             we have disagreed on a key issue or two, I know that he is 
             guided by what he believes is best for the people of his 
             State.
               As the senior Senator from Kentucky put it himself: ``If 
             it ain't good for Kentucky, it ain't good for Wendell 
             Ford.''
               And the people of Kentucky have shown their deep 
             appreciation to Senator Ford in return. In 1992, he 
             received the largest number of votes ever recorded by a 
             candidate for elected office in the Commonwealth.
               In March of this year, he became the longest serving 
             U.S. Senator from Kentucky in history.
               Mr. President, although New Jersey and Kentucky are very 
             different States, Senator Ford and I share many things in 
             common. First of all, our vintage--we were born in the 
             same year. We both fought for our country in World War II. 
             We both ran businesses before we entered public life.
               These common experiences helped make Wendell Ford an 
             instant friend and mentor to me when I arrived in the 
             Senate. His extensive knowledge and public service 
             experience has made him an invaluable asset to our caucus' 
             leadership.
               And he has been quite a leader, now as minority whip, 
             first as chairman and then ranking member of the Rules 
             Committee, and in prior years, the chairman of the 
             Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
               Mr. President, Senator Ford has left a formidable legacy 
             to the Nation as a whole, in addition to his legendary 
             status in Kentucky. He was the chief sponsor of the 
             National Voter Registration Act, also known as the ``motor 
             voter'' law.
               This law helps ensure that more of our citizens are 
             officially registered to participate in our democracy. He 
             was also instrumental in the enactment of the Family and 
             Medical Leave Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment 
             Act Amendments of 1986, and many other landmark aviation 
             and energy laws.
               The senior Senator from Kentucky will be greatly missed 
             here in the U.S. Senate. We will miss his leadership, his 
             experience and also his great wit. But our personal loss 
             will be the Commonwealth of Kentucky's gain.
               I wish him, his wife Jean, their children and 
             grandchildren Godspeed as he returns to Owensboro.

               Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, five Senators will move on at 
             the closing of this session of the 105th Congress. And 
             they are Senators that have, with the exception of one, 
             been here ever since I joined this body back in 1989.
               Dirk Kempthorne from Idaho was elected after I was. And 
             now after one term he has elected to go back to his home 
             State of Idaho.
               It seems like it becomes more and more difficult, as 
             time goes by, to attract men and women to public service, 
             and especially to public service when there are elections.
               He brought a certain quality to this Senate. On his work 
             on the Environment and Public Works Committee, he was 
             sensitive to the environment and all the public 
             infrastructure that we enjoy across this country. It just 
             seemed to fit, because he had come here after being the 
             mayor of Boise, ID. And his very first objective was to 
             tackle this business of unfunded mandates. He took that 
             issue on and provided the leadership, and finally we 
             passed a law that unfunded mandates must be adhered to 
             whenever we tell local government, State government that 
             it is going to take some of your money to comply with the 
             laws as passed by the Federal Government.
               He, like me, had come out of local government. He knew 
             the stresses and the pains of city councilmen and mayors 
             and county commissioners every time they struggle with 
             their budget in order to provide the services for their 
             people, when it comes to schools and roads and public 
             safety--all the demands that we enjoy down to our 
             neighborhoods.
               We shall miss him in this body.
               To my friend, John Glenn of Ohio, who has already made 
             his mark in history that shall live forever, he has left 
             his tracks in this body. And not many know--and maybe not 
             even him--but I was a lowly corporal in the U.S. Marine 
             Corps when he was flying in the Marine Corps. So my memory 
             of John Glenn goes back more than 40 years to El Toro 
             Marine Corps Air Station in Santa Anna, CA.
               As he goes into space again at the end of this month, we 
             wish him Godspeed. He gave this country pride as he lifted 
             off and became the first American to orbit the Earth. And 
             he carried with him all of the wishes of the American 
             people.
               To Dan Coats of Indiana, a classmate, we came to this 
             body together in 1989. Our routes were a little different, 
             but yet almost the same--he coming from the House of 
             Representatives and me coming from local government.
               He is a living example of a person dedicated to public 
             service. But it never affected his solid core values. He 
             has not changed one iota since I first met him back in 
             1989.
               The other principal is on the floor today. It is Wendell 
             Ford of Kentucky. I was fortunate to serve on two of the 
             most fascinating and hard-working committees in the U.S. 
             Senate with Senator Ford: the Commerce Committee and the 
             Energy Committee. Those committees, folks, touch every 
             life in America every day.
               We flip on our lights at home or in our businesses. We 
             pick up the telephone, listen to our radio, watch our 
             televisions, move ourselves from point A to point B, no 
             matter what the mode--whether it is auto, train or plane. 
             Yes, all of the great scientific advances this country has 
             made, and research and the improvement of everyday life 
             and, yes, even our venture into space comes under the 
             auspices of the Commerce, Science and Transportation 
             Committee and the Energy Committee. Those two committees 
             play such a major role in the everyday workings of 
             America.
               Wendell Ford was one great champion and one of the true 
             principals in formulating policies that we enjoy today. He 
             played a major role in each and every one of them.
               Again, it was my good fortune to work with Senator 
             Bumpers on two committees: the Small Business Committee 
             and the Energy Committee. There is no one in this body 
             that has been more true to his deeply held beliefs than 
             Senator Bumpers. Our views did not always mesh--and that 
             is true with Senator Ford. It was their wisdom and the way 
             they dealt with their fellow Senators that we worked our 
             way through difficult issues and hard times with a sense 
             of humor. I always say if you come from Arkansas you have 
             to have a pretty good sense of humor. My roots go back to 
             Missouri; I know we had to develop humor very early. 
             Nonetheless, it was the integrity and the honesty that 
             allowed us to settle our differences, even though we were 
             180 degrees off plumb.
               I think I have taken from them much more than I have 
             given back to them. This body has gained more than it can 
             repay. This Nation is a better Nation for all of them 
             serving in the U.S. Senate.
               In our country we don't say goodbye, we just say so 
             long. But we say so long to these Senators from our 
             everyday activities on the floor of the U.S. Senate. I am 
             sure our trails will cross many times in the future. 
             Should they not, I will be the most disappointed of all.

               Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, over the next few days, as the 
             Senate concludes its legislative business, one of the 
             finest individuals it has been my privilege to know will 
             bring to a close yet another chapter in what has been, by 
             any measure, an extraordinary public service career. When 
             that time comes--when the senior Senator from the 
             Commonwealth of Kentucky walks out of this Chamber for the 
             last time as a U.S. Senator--this institution, and all who 
             serve in it, will feel a great and lasting loss.
               When Wendell Ford came to this body on December 28, 
             1974, thus becoming the 1,685th individual to have served 
             in the Senate, he did so not as a political neophyte but 
             as an accomplished entrepreneur and a dedicated and 
             seasoned public servant. Following service in World War 
             II, our friend from Kentucky returned to his home State 
             and launched a successful insurance business. But it was 
             the call of public service, the chance to reach out and 
             help all of his fellow Kentuckians, that meant the most to 
             this young executive.
               And, so, in 1964, Wendell Ford began what was to become 
             a successful political career by winning election to the 
             Kentucky State senate. Two years later, in 1966, he 
             successfully ran for the position of Lieutenant Governor, 
             and, in 1970, against all odds, he became Kentucky's 
             Governor, a position from which he served with distinction 
             as the chairman of the National Democratic Governors 
             Caucus.
               Mr. President, despite his selfless service within his 
             State, it is, of course, the near quarter-century he has 
             spent here in the U.S. Senate that has earned Wendell Ford 
             the admiration, the respect, and the undying affection of 
             his colleagues. And, having been elected to four terms in 
             the Senate, it is obvious that the good people of Kentucky 
             also understand and appreciate the skill, the dedication, 
             and the flawless integrity that Wendell Ford brings to his 
             work. He serves Kentucky and the Nation with a wit and 
             candor that are as timely and as refreshing as a cool 
             Kentucky breeze on a hot summer day.
               In fact, in 1992, he began a string of historical 
             achievements when he received the largest number of votes 
             ever recorded by a candidate for elected office in the 
             State of Kentucky. On November 14, 1996, Wendell Ford 
             broke Alben Barkley's record for the longest consecutive 
             service in the U.S. Senate as a Senator from the 
             Commonwealth, while becoming the overall longest serving 
             Senator from Kentucky in March of this year.
               Mr. President, such milestones are not just proud, 
             personal moments, although they are that. Rather, they 
             speak to the immense respect, and the tremendous trust 
             that the citizens of Kentucky have for their distinguished 
             senior Senator. Of course, to those of us who know Wendell 
             Ford, such respect and trust are not unfounded.
               As a Member of this body, Senator Ford has become a 
             recognized leader in such diverse areas as aviation, 
             Federal campaign finance reform, and energy. He has, 
             through dedication and hard work, shaped such important 
             legislation as the National Voter Registration Act, the 
             Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994, 
             the Family and Medical Leave Act, the National Energy 
             Security Act of 1992, and the Energy Security Act of 1977.
               The commitment shown by our colleague from Kentucky in 
             working on these and other profound and troubling problems 
             that face this Nation is emblematic of the devoted public 
             servant that Wendell Ford has shown himself to be. There 
             will be few who will match the accomplishments of our 
             friend; few who will bring to this body a deeper passion; 
             and few who will legislate with greater skill.
               Mr. President, as he prepares to leave the Senate, I 
             offer my sincere gratitude to Senator Wendell Ford for his 
             professionalism, for his friendship, for his leadership, 
             for his candor, and for his many years of dedicated 
             service to our Nation. I would also like to express my 
             admiration, and that of my wife, Erma, to Wendell's 
             gracious and dedicated wife, Jean. Few know, of course, of 
             the tremendous sacrifices made by our spouses. But those 
             of us who serve in this body understand the price paid by 
             these selfless, silent partners. None has done so with 
             greater dignity, or with more grace, than has Jean Ford.
               And, so, I say to my friend from the Commonwealth of 
             Kentucky, I have treasured the time we have worked 
             together, and I wish him good luck and God's speed. He is 
             coming home.

                Weep no more, my lady,
                Oh! weep no more to-day!
                We will sing one song for the Old Kentucky Home,
                For the old Kentucky Home far away.

              --``My Old Kentucky Home,'' Stephen Collins Foster, 1826-
                                                                  1864.

               Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, I appreciate you 
             presiding as you do in such a class fashion. I would like 
             to make a few comments here. I have been touched and 
             impressed by the fact of colleagues coming to the floor 
             and paying tribute to those Members who are departing. I 
             have listened because, as one of those Members who are 
             departing, I know personally how much it means to hear 
             those kind comments that are made.
               Senator Ford, who just spoke, is leaving after a very 
             illustrious career. I remember when the Republican Party 
             took over the majority 4 years ago and I was new to the 
             position of Presiding Officer, it was not unusual for 
             Wendell Ford, who knows many of the ropes around here, to 
             come and pull me aside and give me a few of the tips of 
             how I could be effective as a Presiding Officer. I think 
             probably one of the highest tributes you can pay to an 
             individual is the fact that you see their family and the 
             success they have had. I remember when Wendell Ford's 
             grandson, Clay, was a page here. I think Clay is probably 
             one of the greatest tributes paid to a grandfather.
               Dale Bumpers, often mentioned here on the floor about 
             his great sense of humor, is an outstanding gentlemen. He 
             is someone whom I remember before I ever became involved 
             in politics. I watched him as a Governor of Arkansas and 
             thought, there is a man who has great integrity, someone 
             you can look up to. And then to have the opportunity to 
             serve with him has been a great honor.
               John Glenn. Whenever any of the astronauts--the original 
             seven--would blast off into space, my mother would get all 
             the boys up so we could watch them. I remember when John 
             Glenn blasted off into space. Again, the idea that somehow 
             a kid would end up here and would serve with John Glenn is 
             just something I never could dream of at the time. In 
             fact, John Glenn became a partner in our efforts to stop 
             unfunded Federal mandates. You could not ask for a better 
             partner.
               Speaking of partners, he could not have a better partner 
             than Annie. I had the great joy of traveling with them 
             approximately a year ago when we went to Asia. That is 
             when you get to know these people as couples. I remember 
             that we happened to be flying over an ocean when it was 
             the Marine Corps' birthday. On the airplane we had a cake 
             and brought it out, to the surprise of John Glenn. But you 
             could see the emotion in his eyes. I know the Presiding 
             Officer is a former U.S. Marine, so he knows what we are 
             talking about.
               Dan Coats. There is no more genuine a person than Dan--
             not only in the Senate but on the face of the Earth. He is 
             a man of great sincerity, a man who can articulate his 
             position so extremely well. He is a man who, when you look 
             into his eyes, you know he is listening to you and he is 
             going to do right by you and by the people of his State of 
             Indiana, and he has done right by the people of the United 
             States. He is a man who has great faith, a man to whom I 
             think a number of us have looked for guidance.
               When you look at the Senate through the eyes of a 
             camera, you see just one dimension. But on the floor of 
             the Senate we are just people. A lot of times we don't get 
             home to our wives and kids and sometimes to the ball games 
             or back-to-school nights. There are times when some of the 
             issues don't go as we would like, and it gets tough. At 
             these times, we hurt. There are people like Dan Coats to 
             whom you can turn, who has said, ``Buddy, I have been 
             there and I am with you now.'' So, again, he is an 
             outstanding individual.
                                              Monday, October 12, 1998.
               Mr. DORGAN. I did want to say, having listened to the 
             Senator from Kentucky, my expectation is that virtually 
             every Member of this Senate, Republican and Democrat 
             alike, shares my feelings about the Senator from Kentucky. 
             He is tough, he is honest, he gets things done in the 
             Senate, and we are going to miss him a great deal.
               I know the Senator from Montana feels that way, as does 
             the Senator from Texas. Some of our other colleagues are 
             not here. But one of the privileges of serving in this 
             body is serving with some of the best men and women I have 
             ever had the opportunity to work with in my life, and I 
             count among that group the Senator from Kentucky, Senator 
             Ford.
               I would like to say, as he leaves the Senate, I thank 
             him for his public service to our country. He, because he 
             served in this body, has contributed to the well-being of 
             America. We are going to miss him a great deal. I expect 
             he will not be going far. I know he is going fishing, and 
             I know he is going to be involved in public service in his 
             own way, dealing with educating young people about civic 
             responsibilities and about government. I just want to say 
             he has contributed a substantial amount of service to his 
             country and we are deeply indebted to him for it.

               Mr. GRAMM. Mr. President, I am sorry our colleague from 
             Kentucky has left the floor. I would like to add my voice 
             to those who thanked him for his service. In an era where 
             there are so many cellophane politicians, when there are 
             so many people in public life who talk like newscasters 
             but you can never quite tell what they are talking about 
             when they get through speaking, I think Wendell Ford has 
             been a welcome relief from that. He is a politician who 
             has texture. When he speaks you may think he is wrong--
             which I often do--but you never question the fact that he 
             is sincere, and when he speaks you know what he is talking 
             about. I find the longer I serve in this great Senate, the 
             more respect I have for people who stand for something and 
             who speak up for it and who say what they think.

               Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, it is with great respect 
             that I rise today to express my gratitude to the 
             distinguished minority whip, Senator Wendell Ford, for his 
             22 years of service to the U.S. Senate. I have been here 
             since the beginning of his Senate career and have 
             witnessed his many accomplishments over the years. His 
             tenure has represented a shining example of hard work, 
             honesty, and integrity.
               Senator Ford and I served on the Energy and Natural 
             Resources Committee for many years together and shared a 
             mutual interest in energy policy. He has been a strong 
             advocate of the disposal of chemical weapons at the Blue 
             Grass Army Depot in Kentucky and has stood firm in his 
             commitment to exploring safe, affordable, and 
             environmentally sound alternatives to chemical weapons 
             incineration. He understands the threats of nuclear 
             proliferation and we have shared a common desire to ensure 
             proper stewardship of nuclear stockpiles across the globe. 
             I have appreciated his valuable contribution to this 
             mission and will miss his presence on the Energy and 
             Natural Resources Committee.
               An accomplished public servant, Senator Ford served his 
             country in World War II, was elected Governor of the 
             Commonwealth of Kentucky, and as a Senator, established 
             himself as a national leader in energy, aviation, and 
             Federal-election reform policy. However, he may be best 
             known for his steadfast commitment to serving the people 
             of his beloved home State, Kentucky. He has diligently 
             sought to create opportunities for the people of America 
             and I am confident that upon his return to Kentucky, he 
             will continue to give as generously of himself as he did 
             during his 22 years of service in Congress.
               I believe that I speak on behalf of all Members of the 
             Senate when I say that Wendell's leadership, talent, and 
             friendship will be sorely missed. I am grateful that I had 
             the opportunity to work with him and hope that when the 
             time comes for me to leave office, I will be as well 
             respected as Senator Wendell Ford by my constituency and 
             colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
               Wendell, on behalf of myself and the State of New 
             Mexico, I commend you on a job very well done and wish you 
             and Jean continued health and happiness in your 
             retirement.

               Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, on Saturday, I had a chance 
             to talk about our good friend, Dale Bumpers. I'd like to 
             take a few minutes to talk about four other friends who 
             will be leaving us at the end of this Congress.
               Shortly after he left the White House, Calvin Coolidge 
             was called on to fill out a standard form. After filling 
             in his name and address, he came to a line marked 
             ``occupation.'' He wrote ``retired.'' When he came to the 
             next line, labeled ``remarks,'' he wrote ``Glad of it.'' I 
             suspect that our colleagues who are retiring at the end of 
             this Congress are also ``glad of it''--at least in some 
             small measure. But, in addition to relief, I hope they 
             also feel a sense of pride--both for what they have 
             accomplished here, and the dignity with which they have 
             served.
               In a short time here, Dirk Kempthorne has made all of 
             our lives a little better. Thanks in large part to him, 
             the Safe Drinking Water Act is now the law. Senator 
             Kempthorne has also reminded us of the importance of State 
             and local involvement in our decisions. We will all miss 
             him.
               I had the good fortune to travel with Senator Kempthorne 
             to the Far East. As most of our colleagues know, as we 
             travel we get to know one another even better. I know him 
             and I admire him and I wish him well in his life after the 
             Senate. I also applaud him for the nature with which he 
             has continued to work with all of us. He has a very 
             conciliatory, very thoughtful, a very civil way with which 
             to deal with colleagues on issues. If we would all follow 
             Dirk Kempthorne's example, in my view, we would be a lot 
             better off in this body. His manner, his leadership, his 
             character, his personality is one that we are going to 
             miss greatly here in the U.S. Senate.
               We will also miss Dan Coats. With his thoughtful 
             approach and uncompromising principles, Senator Coats has 
             followed his heart above all else. And, as a result of his 
             support of the Family and Medical Leave Act, millions of 
             Americans are able to follow their hearts, too, and spend 
             more time with their families when they need them most.
               When Senator Coats announced his retirement in 1996, he 
             said, ``I want to leave (politics) when I am young enough 
             to contribute somewhere else * * * I want to leave when 
             there is still a chance to follow God's leading to 
             something new.'' Wherever Senator Coats and Senator 
             Kempthorne are led, we wish them both the best. I am 
             confident that they will continue to contribute much to 
             their country and to their fellow citizens.
               And we will surely miss our own three departing 
             Senators.
               Dale Bumpers, Wendell Ford and John Glenn are three of 
             the sturdiest pillars in this institution. They have much 
             in common. They came here--all three of them--in 1974. For 
             nearly a quarter-century, they have worked to restore 
             Americans' faith in their government.
               Their names have been called with the roll of every 
             important question of our time. And they have answered 
             that call with integrity and dignity.
               They are sons of small town America who still believe in 
             the values they learned back in Charlestown, AR; 
             Owensboro, KY; and New Concord, OH. They are also modest 
             men.
               Perhaps because they had already accomplished so much 
             before they came to the Senate, they have never worried 
             about grabbing headlines here. Instead, they have been 
             content to work quietly, but diligently--often with 
             colleagues from across the aisle--to solve problems as 
             comprehensively as they can. They have been willing to 
             take on the ``nuts and bolts'' work of the Senate--what 
             John Glenn once called ``the grunt work'' of making the 
             Government run more efficiently.
               They were all elected to the Senate by wide margins, and 
             reelected by even wider margins. And they all would have 
             been reelected this year, I have no doubt, had they chosen 
             to run again.
               What I will remember most about each of them, though, is 
             not how much they are like each other they are, but how 
             unlike anyone else they are. Each of them is an American 
             original.
               As I said, I've already shared my thoughts about Dale 
             Bumpers. No Senator has ever had more courage than Dale 
             Bumpers.
               And no Senate leader has ever had the benefit of a 
             better teacher than Wendell Ford.
               No leader has ever enjoyed such a loyal partnership as I 
             have. No leader has ever had a better friend and 
             counselor.
               For the past 4 years, Senator Ford has been my right 
             hand and much more. He is as skilled a political mind, and 
             as warm a human being, as this Senate has ever known.
               Carved inside the drawer of the desk in which Wendell 
             sits is the name of another Kentucky Senator, ``the Great 
             Compromisor,'' Henry Clay. It is a fitting match.
               Like Henry Clay, Wendell Ford believes that compromise 
             is honorable and necessary in a democracy. But he also 
             understands that compromise is, as Clay said, ``negotiated 
             hurt.''
               I suspect that is why he has always preferred to try to 
             work out disagreements behind the scenes. It allows both 
             sides to bend, and still keep their dignity.
               In 1991, Wendell's quiet, bipartisan style convinced a 
             Senator from across the aisle, Mark Hatfield, to join him 
             in sponsoring the ``Motor Voter'' bill. Working together, 
             they convinced the Senate to pass that legislation. To 
             this day, it remains the most ambitious effort Congress 
             has made since the Voting Rights Act to open up the voting 
             booth to more Americans.
               Wendell Ford has served the Bluegrass State as a State 
             senator, Lieutenant Governor, Governor and U.S. Senator. 
             His love for his fellow Kentuckians is obvious, and it is 
             reciprocated.
               In his 1980 Senate race, Wendell Ford became the first 
             opposed candidate in Kentucky history to carry all 120 
             counties. In 1992, he received the highest number of votes 
             ever cast for any candidate in his State.
               Throughout his years in the Senate, Senator Ford has 
             also been a tenacious fighter for the people of Kentucky. 
             He has also been a leader on aviation issues, a determined 
             foe of government waste and duplication, a champion of 
             campaign finance reform, and--something we are especially 
             grateful for on this side of the aisle--a tireless leader 
             for the Democratic Party.
               He chaired the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee for 
             three Congresses, from 1976 through 1982. And, in 1990, 
             Democratic Senators elected him unanimously to be our 
             party whip, our second-in-command, in the Senate--a 
             position he still holds today.
               We will miss his raspy and unmistakable voice, his good 
             humor and wise counsel.
               Finally, there is John Glenn. What can one say about 
             John Glenn that has not already been said?
               In all these 24 years, as hard as he tried to blend in 
             with the rest of us, as hard as he tried to be just a 
             colleague among colleagues, it never quite worked, did it?
               I used to think that maybe I was the only one here who 
             still felt awed in his presence. Two years ago, on a 
             flight from China with John and a handful of other 
             Senators and our spouses, I learned that wasn't so.
               During the flight, we were able to persuade John to 
             recollect that incredible mission aboard Friendship 7, 
             when he became the first American to orbit the Earth. He 
             told us about losing all radio communication during re-
             entry, about having to guide his spacecraft manually 
             during the most critical point in re-entry, about seeing 
             pieces of his fiberglass heat panel bursting into flames 
             and flying off his space capsule, knowing that at any 
             moment, he could be incinerated.
               We all huddled around him with our eyes wide open. No 
             one moved. No one said a word.
               Listening to him, I felt the same awe I had felt when I 
             was 14 years old, sitting in a classroom in Aberdeen, SD, 
             watching TV accounts of that flight. Then I looked around 
             me, and realized everyone else there was feeling the same 
             thing.
               I saw that same sense of awe in other Senators' faces in 
             June, when we had a dinner for John at the National Air 
             and Space Museum. Before dinner, we were invited to have 
             our photographs taken with John in front of the Friendship 
             7 capsule. I don't think I've ever seen so many Senators 
             waiting so patiently for anything as we did for that one 
             picture.
               A lot of people tend to think of two John Glenns: 
             Colonel John Glenn, the astronaut-hero; and Senator John 
             Glenn. The truth is, there is only John Glenn--the 
             patriot.
               Love for his country is what sent John into space. It's 
             what brought him to Washington, and compelled him to work 
             so diligently all these years in the Senate.
               People who have been there say you see the world 
             differently from space. You see the ``big picture.'' You 
             see how small and interconnected our planet is.
               Perhaps it's because he came to the Senate with that 
             perspective that John has fought so hard against nuclear 
             proliferation and other weapons of mass destruction.
               Maybe because he'd had enough glamour and tickertape 
             parades by the time he came here, John chose to immerse 
             himself in some decidedly unglamorous causes.
               He immersed himself in the scientific and the technical. 
             He looked at government with the eyes of an engineer, and 
             tried to imagine ways it could work better and more 
             efficiently.
               As early as 1978, he called for Congress to live by the 
             same workplace rules it sets for everyone else. More 
             recently, he spearheaded the overhaul of the Federal 
             Government procurement system, enabling the Government to 
             buy products faster, and save money at the same time.
               In 1974, the year he was elected to the Senate, John 
             Glenn carried all 88 counties in Ohio. In 1980, he was 
             reelected with the largest margin in his State's history. 
             The last time he ran, in 1992, he became the first Ohio 
             Senator ever to win four terms.
               As I said, I'm sure he would have been reelected had he 
             chosen to run again. But, as we all know, he has other 
             plans.
               For 36 years, John Glenn has wanted to go back into 
             space. On October 29, he will finally get his chance. At 
             77 years old, he will become the oldest human being ever 
             to orbit the Earth--by 16 years.
               Many of us will be in Houston to see John and his 
             Discovery crew mates blast off. If history is any 
             indication, I suspect we will be wide-eyed once again.
               In closing, let me say, Godspeed, John Glenn and Dale 
             Bumpers, Wendell Ford, Dirk Kempthorne and Dan Coats. You 
             have served this Senate well. You are all ``Senators' 
             Senators,'' and we will miss you dearly.
                                           Wednesday, October 14, 1998.
               Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, since taking my oath of 
             office in January 1963, I have had the high privilege of 
             serving with 323 Senators. Among them were some of the 
             giants we read about in history books, Richard Russell of 
             Georgia, Everett Dirksen of Illinois, Mike Mansfield of 
             Montana, and John Stennis of Mississippi.
               I have served with men and women of great moral strength 
             and high intellect, but, of the 323 Senators, I shall 
             always look upon one person as my ``best friend''--Senator 
             Wendell Ford.
               How does one become a best friend of a stranger? I had 
             some knowledge of Wendell before he was elected, because I 
             was then a member of the Senate Campaign Committee and 
             serving as the Secretary of the Democratic Caucus. I knew 
             that he was a former State Senator, Lieutenant Governor, 
             and the 49th Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky 
             before he was elected to the Senate. I also knew that he 
             was one of the most popular presidents of the U.S. Junior 
             Chamber of Commerce.
               When I first met Wendell in early 1974, I immediately 
             liked what I saw.
               I could see that he was ``truth in packaging'' 
             personified. There were no fancy frills, or bells, or 
             ribbons around him. He was down to earth. He obviously 
             loved his constituents and without question, understood 
             them. Immediately, I concluded that he was a ``man of the 
             people.'' Soon, I found myself serving with him on two 
             important committees--the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
             Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Rules and 
             Administration.
               Whenever he stood and raised his voice to defend, 
             advocate, oppose, or support a measure, you knew that it 
             related to people.
               Therefore, I was not surprised when he became the prime 
             mover of the National Voter Registration Act which would 
             ensure that every American who was of age, qualified and 
             wanted to vote was given the opportunity to do so. He took 
             away all of the obstacles that stood in their path.
               He also made certain that when a worker's spouse was ill 
             at home, he or she was given the right to be with their 
             loved ones in their time of great need. He knew what it 
             was to be a husband and a father. And he knew what it 
             meant to comfort wives and children in time of need. When 
             Wendell became the chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, 
             first and foremost on his agenda was passenger safety.
               He was always ready to carry the banner for the working 
             man and woman. And during the recent tobacco legislation 
             debates, Wendell's voice was one of the very few that 
             spoke out for the tobacco farmer. His concern was not for 
             the wealthy chief executive officers. His concern was for 
             the poor farmer who had to struggle, day in and day out, 
             to eke out a livelihood.
               Wendell also spoke out for the miners who worked in the 
             deep coal mines, and for those who had been discriminated 
             against in employment because of their age. He was a 
             ``workhorse,'' never a ``showhorse.'' When others would 
             give eloquent speeches on cutting the cost of government, 
             he did something about it. He led the movement to adopt a 
             2-year budget, thereby saving millions of dollars by 
             streamlining our budgetary process.
               He introduced the measure that is responsible now for 
             using recycled printing paper by the Federal Government, 
             thus saving millions of dollars. After all, the paperwork 
             of the Federal Government today, with all the 
             technological advances, still uses more than 480,000 tons 
             of paper annually. However, before Wendell Ford got into 
             the act, it was nearly double that amount.
               As a politician, he wanted to make certain that 
             campaigns were carried out without corruption and without 
             impediments. He streamlined voter registration procedures, 
             and did everything to increase voter participation in 
             Federal elections.
               Wendell Ford's departure from the Senate will leave a 
             huge void in the committee rooms and in the Senate 
             Chamber. It is difficult for me to imagine that next year 
             we will not hear his voice rising to defend the working 
             man and woman.
               We will not hear his voice to insist upon safety for our 
             traveling public. And we will not hear his voice for good 
             and clean government. I hope that the people of Kentucky 
             will someday come to the realization that they and the 
             people of this Nation were blessed with the service of 
             Wendell Ford.
               Winston Churchill just prior to his retirement from 
             active government service said, ``Service to the community 
             is the rent we pay for living on this Earth.'' Wendell 
             Ford has been paying his rent throughout his life.
               It will be difficult for me to say goodbye to my good 
             friend. It will be difficult no matter how good a person 
             his successor may be, to fill his ``huge boots.''
               But most importantly, I agree with my wife, Maggie, that 
             what makes Wendell a good husband, a good father, and 
             decent human being is the fact that he had the good sense 
             to marry his beloved Jean. Without Jean, Kentucky and our 
             Nation would have been denied the great service of Wendell 
             H. Ford.
               Wendell and Jean, you have my best wishes for continued 
             happiness and fulfillment in the bright years ahead. We 
             shall miss you immensely.

               Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join others 
             to comment on the service provided to America and to 
             Kentucky by Wendell Ford. While we were members of 
             different political parties, I often had the opportunity 
             to hear him speak on this floor and to observe him 
             represent his party as a Democratic leader. He is strong, 
             experienced, filled with good humor and a tough advocate 
             for his State and for his beliefs. I was honored to be the 
             presiding officer for the Senate on the day in which 
             Wendell Ford eclipsed the service record of a host of 
             outstanding Kentucky Senators and became the longest 
             serving Senator from that great State.
               While he loves government, politics and the debate that 
             goes with this office, he is a family man at heart. He has 
             the sense of a southerner. He remembers his friends and he 
             loves his State.
               He is also independent. I recall one late night that we 
             were debating whether to limit the high attorneys' fees in 
             the tobacco cases. Senator Ford came on the floor and I 
             noticed him looking my way during the debate. As we 
             concluded, he asked if I would yield for a question. I 
             answered his inquiry as best I could and he firmly nodded. 
             Even though his party was strongly against my amendment, 
             and no one could doubt that Wendell Ford is a good 
             Democrat, he voted for the amendment and it passed by one 
             vote.
               Those are the things that you remember and are a good 
             example for all of us. While we want to be loyal, we are 
             also independent.
               Mr. President, we are losing one of our more notable 
             Members. We will miss the richness of his experience, the 
             sharp debate, and the good humor. While our association 
             has been a short one, I have enjoyed and benefited from 
             it, and expect that it will continue.
                                           Wednesday, October 21, 1998.
               Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, in this last day of the 105th 
             Congress, I think it is appropriate that we take a little 
             more time to express our appreciation and our admiration 
             for our retiring Senators. I look down the list: Senator 
             Bumpers of Arkansas; Senator Coats of Indiana; Senator 
             Ford, the Democratic whip, of Kentucky; Senator Glenn, who 
             will soon be taking another historic flight into space; 
             and Senator Kempthorne, who I believe is also going to be 
             taking flight into a new position of leadership and honor. 
             This is a distinguished group of men who have been 
             outstanding Senators, who have left their mark on this 
             institution. I believe you could say in each case they 
             have left the Senate a better place than it was when they 
             came.
               Have we had our disagreements along the way? Sure, 
             within parties and across party aisles. I have to take a 
             moment to express my appreciation to each of these 
             Senators. I especially want to thank Senator Ford for his 
             cooperation in his position as whip. We worked together 
             for a year and a half as the whip on our respective side 
             of the aisle and we always had a very good relationship. 
             Of course, I have already expressed my very close 
             relationship for Senator Coats and for Senator Kempthorne.
               To all of these Senators, I want to extend my fondest 
             farewell.
               As majority leader, I feel a responsibility to speak for 
             all of us in bidding an official farewell to our five 
             colleagues who are retiring this year.
               It was 1974 when Dale Bumpers left the Governorship of 
             Arkansas to take the Senate seat that had long been held 
             by Senator Fulbright. There are several Senators in this 
             Chamber today who, in 1974, were still in high school.
               Four terms in the Senate of the United States can be a 
             very long time--but that span of nearly a quarter-century 
             has not in the least diminished Senator Bumpers' 
             enthusiasm for his issues and energy in advancing them.
               He has been a formidable debater, fighting for his 
             causes with a tenacity and vigor that deserves the title 
             of Razorback.
               It is a memorable experience to be on the receiving end 
             of his opposition--whether the subject was the space 
             station or, year after year, mining on public lands.
               Arkansas and Mississippi are neighbors, sharing many of 
             the same problems. From personal experience, I know how 
             Senator Bumpers has been an assiduous and effective 
             advocate for his State and region.
               No one expects retirement from the Senate to mean 
             inactivity for Senator Bumpers, whose convictions run too 
             deep to be set aside with his formal legislative duties.
               All of us who know the sacrifices an entire family makes 
             when a spouse or parent is in the Congress can rejoice for 
             him, for Betty, and for their family, in the prospect of 
             more time together in a well earned future.
               Senator Dan Coats and I have a bond in common which most 
             Members of the Senate do not share. We both began our 
             careers on Capitol Hill, not as Members, but as staffers.
               I worked for the venerable William Colmer of 
             Mississippi, chairman of the House Rules Committee, who 
             left office in 1972 at the age of 82. Senator Coats worked 
             for Dan Quayle, who came to Congress at the age of 27.
               Despite the differences in our situations back then, we 
             both learned the congressional ropes from the bottom up.
               Which may be why we both have such respect for the 
             twists and turns of the legislative process, not to 
             mention an attentive ear to the views and concerns of our 
             constituents.
               Now and then, a Senator becomes nationally known for his 
             leadership on a major issue. Senator Coats has had several 
             such issues.
               One was the constitutional amendment for a balanced 
             budget. Another was New Jersey's garbage, and whether it 
             would be dumped along the banks of the Wabash.
               The garbage issue is still unresolved, but on other 
             matters, his success has been the Nation's profit.
               He has championed the American family, improved Head 
             Start, kept child care free of government control, and 
             helped prevent a Federal takeover of health care.
               His crusade to give low-income families school choice 
             has made him the most important education reformer since 
             Horace Mann. His passionate defense of children before 
             birth has been, to use an overworked phrase, a profile in 
             courage.
               Senator Coats does have a secret vice. He is a baseball 
             addict. On their honeymoon, he took Marcia to a Cubs game. 
             And when he was a Member of the House, he missed the vote 
             on flag-burning to keep a promise to his son to see the 
             Cubs in the playoffs.
               To Dan, a commitment is a commitment. That is why he is 
             national president of Big Brothers. And why, a few years 
             ago, he kept a very important audience waiting for his 
             arrival at a meeting here on the Hill.
               He had, en route, come across a homeless man, and spent 
             a half-hour urging him to come with him to the Gospel 
             Rescue Mission.
               Here in the Congress, we must always be in a hurry. But 
             Senator Coats and his wife, Marcia, have known what is 
             worth waiting for.
               They have been a blessing to our Senate family, and they 
             will always remain a part of it.
               Senator Wendell Ford stands twelfth in seniority in the 
             Senate, with the resignation of his predecessor, Senator 
             Marlow Cook, giving him a 6-day advantage over his 
             departing colleague, Senator Bumpers.
               He came to Washington with a full decade of hands-on 
             governmental experience in his native Kentucky. He had 
             been a State senator, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor. 
             With that background, he needed little time to make his 
             mark in the Senate.
               In that regard, he reminds me of another Kentuckian who 
             made a lasting mark on the Senate.
               Last month, I traveled to Ashland, the home of Henry 
             Clay, to receive a medallion named after the man once 
             known as Harry of the West. Senator Ford was a prior 
             recipient of that award, and appropriately so.
               Henry Clay was a shrewd legislator, a tough bargainer, 
             who did not suffer fools lightly. That description sounds 
             familiar to anyone who has worked with Senator Ford.
               He can be a remarkably effective partisan. I can attest 
             to that. There is a good reason why he has long been his 
             party's second-in-command in the Senate.
               At the same time, he has maintained a personal autonomy 
             that is the mark of a true Senator. He has been outspoken 
             about his wish that his party follow the more moderate 
             path to which he has long adhered.
               Senator Ford's influence has been enormous in areas like 
             energy policy and commerce. Contemporary politics may be 
             dependent upon quotable sound-bites and telegenic 
             posturing, but he has held to an older and, in my opinion, 
             a higher standard.
               One of the least sought-after responsibilities in the 
             Senate is service on the Rules Committee.
               It can be a real headache. But it is crucial to the 
             stature of the Senate. We all owe Senator Ford our 
             personal gratitude for his long years of work on that 
             Committee.
               His decisions there would not always have been my 
             decisions; that is the nature of our system. But his work 
             there has set a standard for meticulousness and gravity.
               All of us who treasure the traditions, the decorum, and 
             the comity of the Senate will miss him.
               We wish him and Jean the happiness of finally being able 
             to set their own hours, enjoy their grandchildren, and 
             never again missing dinner at home because of a late-night 
             session on the Senate floor.
               There are many ways to depart the Senate. Our colleague 
             from Ohio, Senator John Glenn, will be leaving us in a 
             unique fashion, renewing the mission to space which he 
             helped to begin in 1962.
               In the weeks ahead, he will probably be the focus of 
             more publicity, here and around the world, than the entire 
             Senate has been all year long.
               It will be well deserved attention, and I know he 
             accepts it, not for himself, but for America's space 
             program.
               For decades now, he has been, not only its champion, but 
             in a way, its embodiment.
               That is understandable, but to a certain extent, unfair. 
             For his astronaut image tends to overshadow the 
             accomplishments of a long legislative career.
               In particular, his work on the Armed Services Committee, 
             the Commerce Committee, and our Special Committee on Aging 
             has been a more far-reaching achievement than orbiting the 
             Earth.
               With the proper support and training, others might have 
             done that, but Senator Glenn's accomplishments here in the 
             Senate are not so easily replicated.
               This year's hit film, ``Saving Private Ryan,'' has had a 
             tremendous impact on young audiences by bringing home to 
             them the sacrifice and the suffering of those who fought 
             America's wars.
               I think Senator Glenn has another lesson to teach them. 
             For the man who will soon blast off from Cape Canaveral, 
             as part of America's peaceful conquest of space--is the 
             same Marine who, more than a half century ago, saw combat 
             in World War II, and again in Korea.
               His mission may have changed, but courage and idealism 
             endure.
               In a few days, along with Annie and the rest of his 
             family, we will be cheering him again, as he again makes 
             us proud of our country, proud of our space program, and 
             proud to call him our friend and colleague.
               Senator Dirk Kempthorne came to us from Idaho only 6 
             years ago. He now returns amid the nearly universal 
             expectation that he will be his State's next Governor. It 
             will be a wise choice.
               None of us are surprised by his enormous popularity back 
             home. We have come to know him, not just as a consummate 
             politician, but as a thoughtful, decent, and caring man.
               This is a man who took the time to learn the names of 
             the men and women who work here in the Capitol and in the 
             Senate office buildings.
               In fact, his staff allots extra time for him to get to 
             the Senate floor to vote because they know he will stop 
             and talk to people on the way.
               During the memorial ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda for 
             our two officers who lost their lives protecting this 
             building, Senator Kempthorne noticed that the son of one 
             of the officers, overwhelmed by emotion, suddenly left the 
             room.
               Dirk followed him, and spent a half-hour alone with him, 
             away from the cameras. The public doesn't see those 
             things, but that's the kind of concern we expect from him.
               His willingness to share credit gave us our Unfunded 
             Mandates Act and reauthorization of the Safe Drinking 
             Water Law. And his eye for detail and pride in his own 
             home State led to the transformation of that long, sterile 
             corridor between the Capitol and the Dirksen and Hart 
             office buildings.
               Now, as tourists ride the space-age mechanized subway, 
             they enjoy the display of State flags and seals that form 
             a patriotic parade. It delights the eye and lifts the 
             spirit.
               If you've ever visited Idaho, known its people, and seen 
             its scenic wonders, you don't have to wonder why he's 
             leaving us early.
               You wonder, instead, why he ever left.
               Years ago, he explained his future this way: That he 
             would know when it was time to leave the Senate when he 
             stopped asking ``why'' and started saying ``because.''
               We're going to miss him and Patricia, and no one needs 
             to ask ``why.'' Even so, we know the Governor will be 
             forceful spokesman on the Hill for all the Governors.
               They could not have a better representative. The Senate 
             could not have a better exemplar. We could not have a 
             better friend.

               Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment 
             to bid a fond farewell to one of our most senior Senators, 
             Senator Wendell Ford, who, despite my objections, is 
             leaving the Senate this year. I think that all Members 
             will agree that his departure will be a loss for the 
             Senate and Nation, as we are losing one of our most 
             respected and well-liked Senators.
               Senator Ford and I began our careers in the U.S. Senate 
             together--24 years ago. It seeks like just yesterday we 
             were the new kids on the block, trying to get the hang of 
             the Senate. A lot has changed from those early days, as 
             Senator Ford has proudly served the people of Kentucky 
             while serving on the Committees on Rules and 
             Administration (where he is ranking member), Commerce, 
             Science, and Transportation, Energy and Natural Resources, 
             and the Joint Committee on Printing (where he was formerly 
             chairman).
               Hailing from Thurston, KY, Senator Ford has brought to 
             the Senate a long and distinguished career as well as the 
             down-home common sense for which he is known. A graduate 
             of the University of Kentucky, Wendell went on to serve in 
             the U.S. Army in 1944-1946 and in the Kentucky Army 
             National Guard for 13 years. Senator Ford has long been 
             associated with public service, as he served as a Kentucky 
             State senator, Lieutenant Governor and as Kentucky's 49th 
             Governor.
               Senator Ford has come a long way from being a new kid on 
             the U.S. Senate block in 1974 to becoming the longest 
             serving Senator from Kentucky today. And, I might add, he 
             is now one of the most senior Members of the entire Senate 
             and one who follows the old traditions of the Senate as 
             one who always keeps his word.
               Throughout his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Wendell has 
             been recognized as a national leader in campaign-finance 
             reform, energy issues, and, of course, looking out for our 
             Nation's tobacco farmers. That has never been as much as 
             an issue as it has this past year, with Congress' attempts 
             at passing tobacco legislation.
               A friend to the environment, Senator Ford was the first 
             to introduce and pass a program instructing the Federal 
             Government to be a model for the country and use recycled 
             printed paper. This program is now the rule rather than 
             the exception in the Federal Government, as well as 
             schools and businesses throughout the United States.
               It is with much regret that I say goodbye to Senator 
             Ford. He has been a great friend all of these years in the 
             Senate, and I will miss him greatly. I hope that 
             retirement brings him plenty of time to spend with his 
             wife, Jean, and their five grandchildren. Knowing Wendell, 
             however, I have no doubt that retirement will be neither 
             quiet nor slow him down.

               Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I would like to say a few 
             words before the close of the 105th Congress about my 
             friend and colleague, Wendell Ford, the very distinguished 
             senior Senator from the great State of Kentucky. His 
             retirement from the Senate this year leaves this body of 
             government missing a cornerstone that I am not sure we can 
             replace anytime soon.
               From the heartland of these United States, he is a 
             strong, resonant voice for the working people of this 
             Nation. This Senate Chamber will sound a bit hollow 
             without that gruff, but friendly voice crying out for 
             ``order'' in these Chambers.
               I have served for 6 years now with Senator Ford. During 
             our time together I have known him as a stalwart ally in 
             our party and a valuable friend. As an indefatigable 
             champion for Kentucky, he never betrayed that trust that 
             the people who elected him four times to the U.S. Senate 
             bestowed upon him. That he has been able to keep his feet 
             firmly grounded in Kentucky's interests while extending 
             his helping hand to Senators from every region of this 
             Nation is a testament to his skill, temperament and 
             wisdom.
               I cannot speak of Senator Ford without expressing my 
             admiration for his leadership on the Committee on 
             Commerce, Science and Transportation, particularly his 
             service as chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee 
             on Aviation. No issue is small to Senator Ford if it is a 
             big issue to his colleague. I remember early in my tenure 
             here that he worked with me on an issue that I have 
             struggled with every since I came to House of 
             Representatives and later as a Senator. We needed the 
             Federal Aviation Administration to work with other Federal 
             agencies and cleanup an abandoned radar site on Mt. 
             Tamalpais in my home county of Marin.
               I had been here only a year or so before Senator Ford 
             sliced through the bureaucratic tangle and resolved this 
             local problem at long last in the 1994 FAA Reauthorization 
             bill.
               He was also there for the State of California when we 
             were trying to get the California Cruise Ship Industry 
             Revitalization Act accepted in conference. He stood in the 
             door of that conference--refusing to call it complete--
             until our provision was accepted. This provision has 
             provided enormous benefits for our ports in California, 
             and we are grateful for his untiring assistance.
               While helping on these local and State issues, he has 
             been the strongest advocate for our airports, particularly 
             in using the Airport trust fund for what it was intended 
             modernizing and upgrading airports across the country to 
             keep them safe and competitive. I was proud to see that we 
             named the FAA reauthorization bill this year, the Wendell 
             H. Ford National Air Transportation System Improvement 
             Act. The truth is I feel like every time we have voted for 
             the FAA reauthorization bill it has had his stamp upon it.
               I wish the Senator from Kentucky a fond farewell--but 
             not goodbye. He will always be in my thoughts and in my 
             heart. And I know his voice will still echo throughout 
             these hallowed halls--and in the halls of our memories, we 
             will forever remember Wendell Ford's decency, compassion, 
             and plain old common sense.

                                         ---

                     FAREWELL ADDRESS OF SENATOR WENDELL H. FORD
               Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I want to make a few brief 
             remarks, share a few thoughts, and express my heart felt 
             thanks to a number of individuals who have made my life in 
             the Senate a little bit easier and a little bit more 
             enjoyable than it otherwise would have been.
               I have been privileged to serve in this body since 
             December 28, 1974. As I look back, it is amazing how much 
             progress we have made as a country during that period. The 
             average life expectancy in this country has increased by 4 
             years. The average per capita income after adjusting for 
             inflation, has risen 40 percent during this time period. 
             The portion of adults with at least a high school diploma 
             has risen from about two-thirds of adults to more than 
             four-fifths. The percentage of adults with at least a 
             bachelor's degree has risen from 14 percent to 25 percent.
               So we are living longer and healthier lives, we are 
             wealthier, and we are better educated.
               And the quality of life has improved in many other ways 
             as well. We have an almost unlimited ability to 
             communicate. The developments with computers in recent 
             years have been almost breathtaking. Children understand 
             computers at an early age--often before they even start 
             school. The percentage of homes with computers keeps 
             rising. We have cell phones and laptops and cable TV and 
             satellite dishes and fax machines. Our access to 
             information is better and faster than ever.
               We have opportunities to travel more, live in bigger 
             homes, and eat more nutritious meals. We spend more on 
             entertainment than ever.
               But Mr. President, our challenges are probably greater 
             than ever.
               I entered the Senate at the beginning of a period of 
             deep cynicism and distrust of government, having just come 
             through the Vietnam war and Watergate. We have always had 
             a very healthy distrust of government in this country, but 
             1974 was an especially troublesome time. And I have 
             witnessed a fascinating national debate on the role of 
             government during the period since. The cynicism from 
             Watergate evolved into a crisis of confidence in our 
             country, and a growing feeling by some through the 1980's 
             that government was the major source of many problems in 
             our society, not the solution.
               But the debate of the role of government has continued 
             to evolve. I think we are at the point today where there 
             is a fairly broad consensus among Americans about certain 
             aspects of government.
               There is a consensus about certain things that Americans 
             want from their government--a strong defense, the best 
             educational system in the world, managing the economy in 
             an efficient way, including balanced budgets, low 
             inflation, low interest rates, low unemployment, and the 
             least amount of taxation and regulation possible. 
             Americans want fair rules in the workplace and the 
             marketplace, from family leave to fair trade to basic 
             consumer protection. They want an adequate infrastructure 
             to sustain a successful and growing economy. And they 
             expect minimal safety and health protections, from law 
             enforcement to food and drug safety to providing health 
             care for the elderly and the poor.
               I have found that almost all of my colleagues want these 
             things as well. We often differ on the best approach, or 
             the best philosophy, for meeting these goals and providing 
             what our constituents want, but we are all basically after 
             the same things.
               Some of my colleagues on the other side of aisle still 
             use the rhetoric from the 1980's about being for lower 
             taxes and smaller government. Who could be against that? 
             But most of these same colleagues are also for all of the 
             things I just mentioned. They would agree with me that 
             these are all things that our constituents demand and 
             expect us to address. We all want the smallest government 
             possible, but we want government to deliver on all of 
             these things. So it is a challenge for all of us.
               And the future challenges for the next Congress and 
             beyond will be even more complex. I mentioned earlier that 
             we are living longer. The standard retirement age has not 
             gone up since I came to the Senate. In fact, the average 
             private sector retirement age has gone down. But we live 
             longer. The percentage of the population age 65 and older 
             is up to about 13 percent today, and is projected to 
             continue to grow. During my tenure in the Senate, I have 
             seen Federal spending on Social Security grow from $64 to 
             $380 billion. I have seen Medicare spending increase from 
             $13 to $220 billion. And roughly half of Medicaid 
             spending, which has gone from $7 to $100 billion in the 
             budget, is attributable to nursing home care. These three 
             areas alone--Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid--have 
             gone from about 25 percent of the total budget to roughly 
             42 percent of the total budget. Without question, the 
             major budget issue in the next few years is how we deal 
             with the costs associated with the elderly.
               And it is a quality issue as well. Many of the same 
             trends which are currently affecting managed care in the 
             private sector will certainly affect the quality of 
             medical care received by the elderly. I wish we had made 
             more progress in these areas before my time in the Senate 
             expired. I wish my colleagues well in addressing these 
             issues and urge them to do so earlier rather than later. I 
             know many colleagues share my sentiments.
               The other area I would urge my colleagues to address is 
             the financing and operation of campaigns. Here is an area 
             that has changed dramatically during my 24 years. When I 
             announced my retirement from the Senate, I mentioned the 
             two ``M's,''--Money and Meanness--as major reasons why I 
             chose not to run again. Now that we are in the midst of 
             the current campaign season, I believe even stronger about 
             this issue. As reported in the newspaper yesterday, PACs 
             have collected almost $360 million in the last 18 months. 
             We all like to say that the money does not influence how 
             we vote and how we think, but, truthfully, it is a matter 
             of degree. There needs to be a stronger ethic of avoiding 
             even the appearance of a conflict of interest. We need 
             more of that in politics--much more of it. Senators who 
             solicit campaign contributions and then within a very 
             short period of time are casting votes and making 
             decisions on matters which greatly affect both the 
             contributors and the Senator's constituents place 
             themselves in very difficult situations. It goes to the 
             heart of our system of Democracy, and whether it works or 
             will continue to work. There has got to be a better way. 
             There are also a lot of ideas around here on how to make a 
             better way. I can only hope some of these ideas are 
             translated into law in the very near future.
               So, Mr. President, I wish may colleagues well. I will 
             miss the institution dearly. I will miss the daily 
             interaction with my colleagues, many of whom have become 
             such dear friends to me. Let me thank you for your 
             friendship. And last, let me thank staff. My personal 
             office staff, both here and in the State offices, have 
             been like family to me. I have tried to treat them that 
             way, and it has been mutual. The committee staff and floor 
             staff I have been privileged to work with over the years 
             have all been great to me as well--they make this place 
             run and make us all look good from time to time. I thank 
             them all for their support and service to our country. 
             This country would not be nearly what it is without 
             office, committee and floor staff. As I leave the Senate, 
             please know that I will keep you all in my thoughts and 
             prayers, and wish all of you good luck and happiness in 
             the years to come.
               Mr. President, for perhaps the last time, I yield the 
             floor.

                                         ---

                  ORDER FOR PRINTING OF INDIVIDUAL SENATE DOCUMENTS
               Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that 
             there be printed as individual Senate documents a 
             compilation of materials from the Congressional Record in 
             tribute to Senators Dan Coats of Indiana, Dirk Kempthorne 
             of Idaho, Dale Bumpers of Arkansas, Wendell Ford of 
             Kentucky, and John Glenn of Ohio.
               The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Craig). Without objection, it 
             is so ordered.
               Mr. LOTT. These clearly are five great Senators who have 
             served their States and their country so well. And I am 
             sure they will continue to do so, albeit in a different 
             arena. Of course, I have said here, Dan Coats has been one 
             of my closest friends for the past 20 years. I will miss 
             him here but I will be with him in other areas.
               And, of course, John Glenn makes history once again 
             flying off into space. And many Senators and their spouses 
             will be there to see that event.


                               ARTICLES AND EDITORIALS

                         [From Roll Call, January 26, 1998]
                                   Seniority Bites
             members with collective 437 years of service in the house 
             and senate are leaving political office, taking with them 
              some colorful memories, major legislative achievements, 
                                and political lessons
                             (By Francesca Contiguglia)
               When Representative Lee Hamilton (D-IN) first came to 
             Congress in 1965, septuagenarian House Speaker John 
             McCormack (D-MA) had trouble remembering the freshman's 
             name.
               All that changed on the eve of a Caucus vote for 
             Speaker, when McCormack called for Hamilton's vote. 
             Hamilton said he would not be supporting the Speaker.
               ``From that day on, McCormack remembered my name,'' said 
             Hamilton.
               That's just one of the dozens of lessons learned over 
             the years by Hamilton and the 17 other Members retiring at 
             the end of this year. But even after a collective 390 
             years of service, 437 including resigning Members, some of 
             these Members have regrets about not mastering those 
             lessons sooner.
               ``I only wish I had known in 1975 what I know now,'' 
             said Senator Dale Bumpers (D-AR), who is retiring after 
             four terms in the Senate. ``I would have been a more 
             effective Senator.''
               ``You must live through the battles and develop an 
             institutional memory,'' said Bumpers. He counsels 
             newcomers to remember that ``you only have so many battles 
             in you,'' so pick them carefully.
               Bumpers has picked plenty of battles, having been known 
             as an unabashed liberal who is an adamant supporter of 
             arms control. He once accused Reagan of not wanting ``to 
             spend money on anything that does not explode.'' Bumpers, 
             who is also known as a passionate orator, tells newcomers 
             to remember that the life of a legislator can be 
             frustrating.
               ``My goal from the time I was 12 years old was to come 
             to Congress,'' he said.
               ``But it's not long till you realize you're just one of 
             the hundred,'' a sobering realization, he said.
               Other Senate retirees include Glenn and Senators Wendell 
             Ford (D-KY) and Dan Coats (R-IN). ``There's never been 
             three finer men serve in the U.S. Senate than those 
             three,'' said Bumpers.
               Although Glenn is a national hero, he has had his share 
             of disappointments.
               He dropped out of the 1984 presidential race after a 
             surprisingly weak showing.
               He later was dragged through the mud during the Keating 
             Five affair, even though the Senate Ethics Committee 
             cleared him of any wrongdoing.
               ``One of the greatest miscarriages of justice was Glenn 
             being brought into the Keating Five hearings,'' said 
             Bumpers. ``You couldn't hold a gun on me and make me think 
             John had done anything wrong, ever in his whole life.'' 
             Glenn's clean-cut image was also scarred a bit by his role 
             as ranking member in the Senate Governmental Affairs 
             campaign finance investigation last year.
               Republicans accused Glenn of being a defense attorney 
             for the Clinton administration and said he muffed a golden 
             opportunity to make a bipartisan case for reform on the 
             eve of his retirement--a charge that Glenn vociferously 
             denied.
               Ford, who came to the Senate in 1974 along with Bumpers 
             and Glenn, has distinguished himself as a fierce defender 
             of the institution both as chairman of the Rules and 
             Administration Committee and as Democratic Whip for 7 
             years.
               Known as a plain-spoken man from Kentucky, Ford has 
             looked out for one of his State's top industries: tobacco. 
             With an ever-present cigarette in his mouth--either during 
             congressional hearings or in the hallways of power--Ford 
             has made sure that Senate rules allow individuals to smoke 
             on his side of the Capitol.
               Now 73, Ford is not slowing down. He gave a speech in 
             September 1996 for a departing colleague, Senator James 
             Exon (D-NE), and said, ``I hope you live to be 105 and I'm 
             one of your pallbearers.'' Coats has spent less time in 
             the Senate than his retiring colleagues, but he has made 
             his mark for being upbeat and humorous, making his staff 
             ``more like a family,'' according to his press secretary 
             of 9 years, Tim Goeglein.
               Goeglein recalled Coats's first day in the Senate. The 
             staff was unpacking the office when a squirrel snuck in 
             through an open window and ran about wreaking havoc. Coats 
             ran off a list of puns and jokes about having a small 
             rodent running around a Senate office.
               One of Coats's larger causes was the line-item veto, 
             which passed in the 104th Congress. But he has also been 
             devoted to family causes. Among other things, he supported 
             the Family Leave Act and sponsored a law allowing parents 
             to block dial-a-porn numbers.
               Outside of politics, Coats is an enormous Chicago Cubs 
             fan and has said if he weren't a Senator, he'd want to be 
             the shortstop for the team. His wish almost came true on 
             his 50th birthday, when he was called from the stands at 
             Wrigley Field to throw out the first pitch, a surprise 
             arranged by his staff.

                                        ---

                   [From the Cincinnati Enquirer, March 11, 1997]
                              Ford Helped Shape N. Ky.
               `he got things * * * we would have gotten no other way'
                                (By Gregory A. Hall)
               In a political career that spanned generations, Sen. 
             Wendell Ford became the godfather of the Democratic Party 
             in Kentucky.
               In those 30-plus years, the Owensboro insurance salesman 
             went from the State Senate and the Governor's mansion to 
             the second-most-powerful Democratic position in the U.S. 
             Senate. Mr. Ford--the longest-serving Senator in Kentucky 
             history--said Monday he will not seek re-election in 1998 
             for a fifth term.
               The power he attained and maintained in both Frankfort 
             and Washington helped secure money for Northern Kentucky 
             projects, including the Cincinnati--Northern Kentucky 
             International Airport at Hebron and the Federal courthouse 
             to be built in Covington.
               As the announcement was made in Frankfort, Democrats and 
             Republicans alike expressed appreciation for Mr. Ford's 
             ability to accomplish feats no one else could. ``I think 
             he was one of the finest statesmen certainly that this 
             State has ever seen,'' said State Representative Jim 
             Callahan, D-Wilder.
               Mr. Ford cut his teeth in Kentucky politics as State 
             president of the Jaycees and grew up in the bitter 
             factional wars that characterized Democratic politics. Mr. 
             Ford even turned his back on his former boss and defeated 
             former Governor Bert Combs in 1971 when he won office as 
             Governor.
               When Republican Louie Nunn defeated Henry Ward for 
             Governor in 1970, Mr. Ford, as Lieutenant Governor, became 
             the Democratic Party's titular leader and won nomination 
             and election as Governor in 1971.
               He took a look at higher office even as Governor, 
             unseating incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Marlow Cook in 
             1974.
               Although the Senator's decision on a fifth term has been 
             a source of speculation for months, the announcement 
             Monday came somewhat as a surprise.
               On Friday, Mr. Ford canceled a Washington meeting 
             scheduled for Monday with representatives from the Hebron 
             airport who are there for an airports association 
             convention.
               ``All of the conjecture up here was probably that he had 
             gone back to Owensboro because the flooding had moved down 
             there,'' said Kenton County Judge-executive Clyde 
             Middleton, who appoints the airport board.
               When the Democrats were the majority party in the 
             Senate, Mr. Ford headed the Aviation Subcommittee. In 
             helping to get money for runway rebuilding and expansion 
             projects, he played a role in the airport's growth into a 
             major cog in the regional economy.
               ``That was an extremely influential position from 
             Northern Kentucky's standpoint and Greater Cincinnati's 
             standpoint,'' Mr. Middleton said.
               Said airport spokesman Ted Bushelman, ``He got things 
             for our airport that we would have gotten no other way.''
               One of those is the program to buy or soundproof homes 
             that are in the line of flights.
               Mr. Ford spent much of Monday morning calling friends 
             and informing them of his decision. One of those was 
             Covington lawyer Phil Taliaferro. But he expected that the 
             call would announce another run for office.
               ``He said that he wanted to go home and spend time with 
             his grandchildren and fish with them,'' Mr. Taliaferro 
             said, recalling his 10-minute conversation with the 
             Senator. ``And he promised me he'd take me and my boy 
             fishing.''
               Mr. Taliaferro's association with the former Governor 
             goes back to the late 1960's. The lawyer said he was 
             picked by Mr. Ford to be one of the first youth members on 
             the Democratic State Central Executive Committee. That was 
             followed by work on the 1971 gubernatorial campaign and an 
             appointment to the State Personnel Board.
               Mr. Taliaferro also was a Ford fund-raiser for years, he 
             said. Most recently, they worked together on the Federal 
             courthouse planned for Fifth Street in Covington.
               ``It's hard to find a man who's been in public life with 
             all that power, all that long who's still got his feet on 
             the ground,'' Mr. Taliaferro said. ``I think * * * because 
             he has kept his head on his shoulders, maybe we don't 
             really * * * understand what we're losing. Kentucky is 
             losing its greatest modern-day Senator.''
               One of the keys to his success, Mr. Taliaferro said, was 
             the Senator's ability not to lose touch with his 
             constituents.
               An example was President Clinton's election-eve visit to 
             the University of Kentucky. Mr. Ford devoted his time at 
             the microphone not to praising a President, but to 
             thanking UK men's basketball coach Rick Pitino for saving 
             the Wildcats' program.
               Several people cited Mr. Ford's propensity for stump 
             speaking. When introducing the Senator a few years ago at 
             a Boy Scouts function, Mr. Taliaferro quoted Shakespeare.
               The Senator countered with another Shakespearean line: 
             ``Let's kill all the lawyers.'' The crowd roared.
               ``He loved getting his chain pulled, and pulling your 
             chain,'' Mr. Taliaferro said.
                              ford's career highlights
               Here are the major milestones in the life and career of 
             U.S. Senator Wendell Ford:

             September 8, 1924, born, Daviess County, KY.
             1959-61, chief assistant to Governor Bert Combs.
             1965, elected to State Senate.
             1967, elected Lieutenant Governor.
             1971, elected Governor.
             1974, defeated incumbent Marlow Cook for U.S. Senate.
             December 28, 1974, took office in U.S. Senate.
             November 1980, defeated Mary Louise Foust for second term.
             November 1986, defeated Jackson M. Andrews for third term.
             1990, elected Democratic whip in U.S. Senate.
             November 1992, defeated State Senator David Williams for 
               fourth term.

                                         ---

                     [From the Washington Post, March 11, 1997]
                 Senator Ford Announces He Will Retire; Fourth-Term 
             Kentucky Democrat Voices Distaste for Fund-Raising Process
                                  (By Helen Dewar)
               Assistant Senate Minority Leader Wendell H. Ford (D-KY), 
             a crusty congressional insider whose causes have ranged 
             from defending tobacco to promoting easier voter 
             registration rules, announced yesterday that he will not 
             seek a fifth term next year.
               Ford, 72, is the second veteran Democratic Senator to 
             decide against running again, raising Republicans' hopes 
             of expanding on gains they made in the last two elections. 
             Senator John Glenn (D-OH) announced last month that he 
             will retire after four terms.
               Republicans, who hold a 55 to 45 edge in the Senate, are 
             poised to make strong bids in Kentucky and Ohio. If four-
             term Senator Dale Bumpers (D-AR) decides against running 
             again, Republicans would have a good crack at a third 
             seat. But Democrats expect former Indiana Governor Evan 
             Bayh (D) to be a strong candidate for the seat of Senator 
             Dan Coats (IN), the only Republican who has so far 
             announced his impending retirement. Ford's decision also 
             raised the possibility of a scramble among Democrats for 
             their No. 2 leadership post in the Senate. Speculation 
             centered yesterday on Senators John B. Breaux (LA), 
             Barbara A. Mikulski (MD) and Harry M. Reid (NV).
               In an emotional statement to supporters and family 
             members gathered at the State Capitol in Frankfurt, KY, 
             where Ford served as Governor in the early 1970's, he was 
             characteristically blunt as his 32-year political career 
             draws to a close.
               Noting that the average cost of a Senate race has risen 
             from less than $450,000 to $4.5 million since he was 
             elected to the Senate in 1974, Ford said ``the job of 
             being a U.S. Senator today has unfortunately become a job 
             of raising money to be reelected instead of a job [of] 
             doing the people's business.''
               In a swipe at President Clinton's use of the Lincoln 
             Bedroom to reward big Democratic givers, Ford said he 
             would have had to start raising $100,000 a week if he ran 
             again and ``Mrs. Ford won't let me bring anyone home to 
             sleep in our spare bedroom.''
               While many other Senators have alluded to their distaste 
             for fundraising in their retirement statements, few have 
             done so with more force. ``I do not relish, in fact I 
             detest, the idea of having to raise $5 million for a job 
             that pays $133,000 a year,'' Ford said. ``Because of the 
             political money chase, Washington, DC, is fast becoming 
             the center of our lives, not our people back home.
               ``Democracy as we know it will be lost if we continue to 
             allow government to become one bought by the highest 
             bidder, for the highest bidder,'' he added. ``Candidates 
             will simply become bit players and pawns in a campaign 
             managed and manipulated by paid consultants and hired 
             guns.''
               While Ford is one of the Senate's top leaders, serving 
             since 1991 as Democratic whip, he has operated largely out 
             of the limelight, preferring the role of insider and 
             defender of Kentucky interests, including tobacco, 
             bourbon, and coal. Most recently, he fought efforts to end 
             the Federal tobacco support program and opposed Clinton's 
             plan to help the Administration's ambitious health care 
             plan by increasing cigarette taxes.
               Ford was also instrumental in passage of ``motor-voter'' 
             legislation allowing people to register to vote when they 
             apply for drivers' licenses, and he spoke proudly 
             yesterday of his cosponsorship of legislation to assure 
             that women are not released prematurely from hospitals 
             after childbirth or mastectomies.
               Ford was chairman of the Senate Rules and Administration 
             Committee for 8 years and is its ranking Democrat.
               He has been a fierce partisan but also lined up with 
             those who tried to push the Democratic Party toward a more 
             centrist position. Ford said yesterday that he spent ``a 
             good part of my Senate career and political life working 
             to nudge, and occasionally shove, our party back toward 
             the center of the political road.''

                                         ---

                     [From the Courier-Journal, March 16, 1997]
                      Pragmatism, Personal Skills Boosted Ford
                               (By Robert T. Garrett)
               When U.S. Senator Wendell Ford announced Monday that he 
             would pack it in and head home for good next year, the 
             State Reception Room in the State Capitol was bathed in 
             nostalgia and awash in unabashed sentimentality.
               Visible in gilded mirrors, which share the walls with 
             tapestries of water scenes, were dimly familiar faces.
               Here was former U.S. Senator Walter ``Dee'' Huddleston, 
             the old radio broadcaster from Elizabethtown who'd leagued 
             with Ford when the two served in the State Senate in the 
             mid-1960's. There was State Representative Eddie Ballard, 
             the bowling-alley operator and Ford contact man in 
             Madisonville. Yonder were the two survivors of the 
             original trio of top Ford advisers--elfin Bill Wester, the 
             token liberal; and cherry-cheeked Tommy Preston, the PR 
             man. It was a gathering of the Kentucky Democratic Party, 
             past.
               And while it is still not common to see grown men crying 
             in public, and while Ford has not been the sort of 
             politician who bared his soul, but rather, tended to come 
             off as a sort of wisecracking tough guy who never let 
             anyone see him sweat, on Monday, both he and his long-time 
             backers tuned up and flowed with tears and emotion during 
             his announcement--especially when the old warrior 
             apologized to his two adult children, Shirley and Steve, 
             for absenteeism as a father.
               They may have been as influential as anyone in nudging 
             Ford to climb off the mountain, under his own volition, 
             while he's still sound of mind.
               Also a big factor, according to Ford intimates, were the 
             exits last year of three of his Senate buddies, Jim Exon 
             of Nebraska, Howell Heflin of Alabama, and Alan Simpson of 
             Wyoming, all of the Class of 1978; and the recent 
             retirement announcement of Ohio Senator John Glenn, who, 
             with Ford, is one of four Senate Democrats left who were 
             first elected in 1974.
               Ford denied that he had any fear of going to bat next 
             year against the big righthander, 4th District GOP 
             Representative Jim Bunning. ``He's so far right, out at 
             the fringes, that he'd be easy to run against,'' Ford 
             taunted. Implicit in the retirement announcement, however, 
             was Ford's respect for, and wariness of, the mountain of 
             greenbacks that Bunning, as a member of the House tax-
             writing committee, would be able to raise for a Senate 
             bid.
               As he rambled on about floods (brought out the Kentucky 
             spirit) and Hazard's airport runway (2,000 feet short of 
             the length needed to land a 727) and a museum in Owensboro 
             (where he may conduct a ``school of politics'' for young 
             people), Ford clearly didn't want to let go of the 
             rostrum. Or the limelight. But his lapses into the prosaic 
             allowed time to think. Where does this guy fit into 
             history?
               Ford is best understood as a tenacious survivor amid the 
             crumbling ruins of the Democratic Party. In the late 
             1960's and early 1970's, Democrats alienated much of their 
             middle-class and blue-collar political base with amazing 
             feats of tone-deafness.
               Perhaps the best single account of this fiasco was 
             published last year. In The Inheritance: How Three 
             Families and America Moved from Roosevelt to Reagan and 
             Beyond, Samuel G. Freedman, a former reporter for The New 
             York Times, shows how Democrats won and then lost the 
             votes of three Catholic immigrant families. How'd the Dems 
             blow it? By letting the working class fight the Vietnam 
             War. Denying the welfare State's nexus to the breakdown of 
             families and civic life. Ignoring crime. Condemning the 
             skilled-trades unions as racist, when there was union 
             autonomy, not just race, at stake. Letting the 
             environmental movement be taken over by elitists. On and 
             on it went.
               Wendell Ford never lost the rank-and-file Democrats. 
             True, in Kentucky, he was lucky. He exploited Republican 
             Governor Louie B. Nunn's raising of the sales tax, which 
             was, for Ford, manna from heaven. He used the issue to 
             reconnect the Democratic Party with union members and 
             voters with modest incomes. Ford won election as Governor 
             in 1971 primarily on his pledge to take the sales tax off 
             groceries. He made good on the pledge before heading to 
             the Senate.
               On cultural and social issues, Ford pulled off a 
             remarkable balancing act. On the one hand, he endorsed the 
             death penalty, opposed busing, opposed abortion (though he 
             was already in the Senate by the time it became a mega-
             issue). He didn't condemn supporters for having a ``Rally 
             for Calley'' during Lieutenant William Calley's court-
             martial on murder charges stemming from the 1968 My Lai 
             massacre.
               At the same time, remarkably, the small-town Jaycee 
             politician vacuumed up liberal women activists in 
             Louisville--Blanche Mahoney, Lois Cronholm, Eva Spaid, 
             Nancy Bell, and Marie Abrams. He did so by delivering 
             early ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, and by 
             keeping in touch. Despite many disagreements over the 
             years, Mahoney says, ``you always felt like he was 
             listening'' and ``every one of (us) still backs Ford to 
             the hilt.''
               By keeping his ear to the ground, but assuaging the 
             party's liberal flank now and then, Ford staved off the 
             GOP Revolution. His hallmarks were pragmatism and strong 
             personal skills. He'll be missed.

                                         ---

                      [From the Courier-Journal, July 19, 1998]
               Democrats Pay Tribute to Senator Ford; Vice President 
                           Joins Thousands To Offer Praise
                                    (By Al Cross)
               One of the largest crowds of Kentucky Democrats in many 
             years gathered with Vice President Al Gore last night to 
             pay tribute to the pillar of the party in the last third 
             of this century--retiring U.S. Senator Wendell Ford.
               ``It makes me feel maybe for a moment we could recapture 
             those days when people got involved in politics,'' 
             Governor Paul Patton said as he began his speech to more 
             than 2,000 people at the Kentucky Horse Park.
               ``This is sort of the end of an era,'' former State 
             party Chairman Howard ``Sonny'' Hunt said as he mingled 
             outside before the event. He was one of several Democrats 
             who couldn't recall when a State party event had drawn 
             such a crowd. ``We've got Democrats, but they won't come 
             out for anybody except Wendell, `' said Maxine Glenn of 
             Kenton County, one of the many longtime party activists 
             who earned their spurs in Ford's campaigns for Lieutenant 
             Governor, Governor, and Senator in the 1960's and 1970's.
               Gore said Ford's impact in 24 years in the Senate--a 
             record for a Kentuckian--has gone far beyond those who 
             worked for him politically.
               ``Wendell Ford has done more good things for more people 
             than probably any other Kentuckian in the 20th century,'' 
             Gore said.
               ``The legend of Wendell Ford is written more in the 
             stories that you don't hear than the stories that you do. 
             The student who needs help with a loan, the veteran who 
             needs help with medical benefits, the widow who needs a 
             Social Security check * * *. Making their lives better has 
             been his life's work.''
               Ford's closest friend in the Senate, Democrat Daniel 
             Inouye of Hawaii, said Ford is the one Senator who stands 
             out among the 323 Inouye has served with since 1963. 
             ``There's nothing phony about him,'' Inouye said, 
             recalling when Ford came to the Senate in 1974. ``There 
             were no ribbons, no frills, no bells. What you saw, you 
             got.''
               The audience, which came from the far reaches of the 
             State, applauded knowingly. It came to honor Ford, not to 
             learn about him--though it did hear some rarely heard 
             tales about his prowess at handling mules, shotguns and 
             other politicians.
               Patton led the way with the honors, announcing that the 
             State party headquarters Ford built while Governor was 
             being named for him, and that he had signed an executive 
             order renaming Kentucky's longest parkway the Wendell H. 
             Ford Western Kentucky Parkway--much as the Mountain 
             Parkway was named for Bert T. Combs, the Eastern Kentucky 
             Governor Ford served as an aide but defeated in the 1971 
             Democratic primary for Governor.
               Patton told the crowd that Ford, who is from Owensboro, 
             asked during the applause when the parkway, which is rough 
             in spots, would be repaved. ``The check's in the mail,'' 
             Patton said.
               Ford kept it up when it came his turn to speak, saying 
             he was going to call ``first thing in the morning and see 
             if the bids are out.''
               His response to the adulation was largely to return 
             tribute to those who helped elect him, including some 
             Republicans who were in the crowd. He said the turnout 
             showed ``why I consider myself one of the luckiest men 
             alive.''
               He asked, ``How good am I? Only as good as the people 
             who helped.''
               Ford said that after he retires January 3, ``I hope to 
             get the next generation of Kentuckians interested in 
             government and the political process * * * and teach them 
             the pure joy--the pure joy!--that comes from helping 
             others and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to give back a 
             small fraction of what you have been able to give to me.''
               Ford arrived at the park at midafternoon and quickly got 
             his white shirt smeared with makeup as he hugged, shook 
             hands with, and posed for pictures with many people he 
             hadn't seen in years.
               ``By God, the old-timers are here, aren't they?'' Ford 
             exulted as he greeted longtime Democratic activist John 
             Crimmins, 86, of Louisville, who said he first met Ford in 
             1947.
               ``He was the friendliest, easiest person to talk to of 
             all the people I have ever met,'' Crimmins said.
                 
                                       
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